soft-spoken
UK: ˌsɒft ˈspəʊkən | US: ˌsɔːft ˈspoʊkən
adj. speaking or spoken in a quiet, gentle, or restrained manner
adj. (of a person) habitually using a quiet or gentle tone
The compound "soft-spoken" combines "soft" (from Old English "sōfte," meaning gentle or mild) and "spoken" (past participle of "speak," from Old English "specan"). The term emerged in the 16th century to describe someone whose speech is gentle or subdued, reflecting a literal blend of the two morphemes. The word retains its transparent structure, making it easy to decode: "soft" modifies "spoken" to convey a manner of speaking.
She was a soft-spoken woman who rarely raised her voice.
His soft-spoken demeanor made him a calming presence in meetings.
The teacher’s soft-spoken instructions were barely audible at the back of the room.
Despite being soft-spoken, her words carried great weight.
The interview featured a soft-spoken artist discussing her creative process.