What does hushedly mean?
Hushedly is an adverb meaning quietly or with a deliberately lowered, softened voice. It is especially appropriate when someone speaks carefully to avoid being heard, to maintain privacy, or to fit an atmosphere of silence and reverence. The word often carries a sense of intentional restraint rather than simply describing an absence of sound. A person might speak hushedly during a confidential conversation, in a library, during a solemn ceremony, or while trying not to disturb others. Although it is less common than generally speaking, quietly, or softly, hushedly offers a more vivid and specific way to describe communication that is deliberately subdued. It is used in both British and American English, with a broadly literary or descriptive tone.
adverbIn a quiet or subdued manner, especially with a deliberately low or softened voice. It describes speaking or acting as if trying to avoid noise or disturbance.
- In a quiet, subdued manner; with a low or softened voice.
"She leaned closer and spoke hushedly so that no one else could hear."
"The children began to speak hushedly when the judge entered the room."
"He answered hushedly, as though the conversation were meant to remain private."
Hushedly captures the particular quality of a voice deliberately lowered to protect a secret, a moment of reverence, or the atmosphere of a shared silence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hushedly come from?
The adverb is formed in English by adding the suffix -ly to hushed, with the final consonant of hushed normally remaining pronounced. Hushed belongs to the word family of hush, an English word for silence or quietness, and related forms include hushing. The formation follows the ordinary English pattern in which an adjective is converted into an adverb describing manner.
Related word forms
How hushedly is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon but natural adverb, more literary or descriptive than everyday speech. It can suggest a deliberate effort to be quiet, as well as the atmosphere of a room in which people have fallen silent.