The music sounded softly.

Meaning: This means that the music was producing a sound in a quiet or gentle manner.

Choice of Words: Sounded means to produce a sound. Softly means in a quiet or gentle manner. When you put them together, "The music sounded softly" describes how the music was producing a sound in a quiet or gentle manner.

Alternative Expressions

The music played quietly.

Meaning: This means that the music was played at a low volume. It wasn't loud or intrusive, but rather soft and unobtrusive.

Choice of Words: The is used to refer to a specific thing, in this case, the music. Played is a verb that describes how the music was produced. Quietly is an adverb that describes how the music was played, in this case, without making much noise.

The music was soft.

Meaning: This means that the music had a gentle and soothing quality. It wasn't harsh or loud, but rather pleasant and calming.

Choice of Words: The is used to refer to a specific thing, in this case, the music. Was is a verb that describes the state of something. Soft is an adjective that describes the quality of the music, in this case, gentle and soothing.

Related Expressions