quietly

Quietly is an adverb describing an action performed with little or no noise, or with discretion and restraint. It can indicate physical quietness, as in speaking quietly, or a subdued manner intended to avoid attention.

Etymology: The adverb is formed from the adjective quiet, which traces to Old French quiet and ultimately to Latin quietus. English attaches the suffix -ly to form adverbs from adjectives.

Usage: Examples include “She spoke quietly,” “They left quietly,” and “The plan worked quietly.” It can also imply discretion or secrecy, as in “They quietly approved the proposal.”

Notes on contrast: quietly differs from silently (no sound) and softly (gentle in tone or texture). It is common in both speech and writing and can modify verbs, adjectives, or participles (e.g., “quietly confident”). See also quiet, silence, silent.