What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stilly
Example
The stilly night was only interrupted by the occasional hoot of an owl. [stilly: adjective]
Example
The stilly waters of the lake reflected the surrounding trees perfectly. [stilly: adjective]
quietly
Example
Please speak quietly in the library. [quietly: adverb]
Example
The baby slept quietly in her crib. [quietly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quietly is more commonly used than stilly in everyday language. Quietly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stilly is less common and has a more specific and formal usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stilly and quietly?
Stilly is typically associated with a formal and literary tone, while quietly is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
