quietly
UK: ˈkwaɪətli | US: ˈkwaɪətli
adv. in a quiet manner; without making noise
adv. calmly or peacefully
adv. discreetly or unobtrusively
The word "quietly" derives from the adjective "quiet," which originates from the Latin quietus (meaning "at rest, calm"). The suffix "-ly" is an Old English adverbial marker, turning adjectives into adverbs. Over time, "quietly" evolved to describe actions performed with little noise or disturbance, reflecting its Latin root's emphasis on stillness.
She closed the door quietly to avoid waking the baby.
The cat moved quietly through the grass, stalking its prey.
He spoke quietly, almost in a whisper, during the meeting.
The river flowed quietly under the moonlit sky.
They worked quietly in the library, respecting the silence.