speak quietly vs speak softly

Both 'speak quietly' and 'speak softly' are correct, interchangeable, and convey the same meaning.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 08, 2025 • 6082 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"speak quietly"

This phrase means to speak in a low volume or in a hushed tone.

Examples:

Please speak quietly in the library.
She asked him to speak quietly during the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

People who'd speak quietly to him in the night.
Major, I want you to keep calm, speak quietly and concentrate.
I speak quietly and it suits me fine.
My heart speaks quietly and infrequently.
Could you please speak more quietly? I feel hungover.
Could you please speak more quietly? I am feeling hungover.
So you must both speak very quietly or I shall shatter into a thousand little pieces.
My wife's asleep in the other room, so let's speak as quietly as we can.
I'm not an Epicurean, I just want to speak with you quietly.
Your mother is ill; and, moreover, speak more quietly.
And two days later I came to do my next emergency shift, and that's when my chief asked to speak to me quietly in her office.
QUIETLY: Yes. Please speak up for the tape.
[Quietly]: When Mrs. Dent has a moment, the doctor needs to speak with her about her son.
Why don't we all just stand here quietly for a moment and let Nola's pictures speak.
In the case of countries with which economic ties are maintained, even unofficially, without saying anything, but making money, people seem to speak about human rights more quietly, in a whisper.

Alternatives:

speak softly
whisper
keep your voice down
lower your voice
talk in a hushed tone

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"speak softly"

This phrase means to speak in a gentle or quiet manner.

Examples:

She spoke softly to comfort the child.
He always speaks softly when he's nervous.

Show examples from the web [+]

-Kill those guys? -Speak softly.
Speak softly, he's a famous painter.
(Gandini) Being shy, discreet or speak softly
(Gandini) Being shy, discreet or speak softly (Gandini) does not work as well screen.
"And you speak softly in my ear..."and you say things
- Speak softly, we'll make a bad impression.
Speak softly, do not understand anything, Annelise!
"Speak softly, and carry a big stick."
Be patient, for the prize I'll bring thee to shall hoodwink this mischance; therefore speak softly.
I speak softly, because my father was here...
Try to speak softly for a minute, till he falls asleep.
I speak softly because I had a chill.
To issue soft noises, to speak softly or indistinctly.
So I wish you the best of all possible journeys and the courage to speak softly.
Try and speak softly once in a while.
I'll speak softly and in strict confidence.
He would swing it gently before my eyes and speak softly and convince me he had induced a trance over me.
Father answered it and said she was asleep, he had to speak softly
If I put my head very close to yours and speak softly,
May I venture to quote American President Roosevelt who said: 'Let us speak softly, let them carry a big stick?

Alternatives:

speak quietly
whisper
keep your voice down
lower your voice
talk in a hushed tone

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speak quietly vs speak softly

"speak quietly"

"speak softly"

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