unassertively
In timid manner
In a manner lacking confidence or forcefulness; without pressing one's opinions or claims.
Someone who speaks unassertively tends to defer to others, avoid confrontation, or downplay their own needs: She unassertively suggested they might consider another option, then quickly dropped it when no one responded.
In fearful, hesitant fashion
- bashfullyIn a shy manner
- diffidentlyWith self-doubt
- sheepishlyIn a self-conscious way
- self-consciouslyWith uncomfortable awareness
reservedly · reticently · demurely · coyly · modestly · shrinkingly · retiringly · insecurely
In docile manner
- deferentiallyWith respectful yielding
- obedientlyIn a compliant manner
- compliantlyIn an acquiescent manner
- acquiescentlyIn yielding manner
docilely · subserviently · yieldingly · resignedly · tractably · dutifully · obsequiously · servilely
With little volume
- gentlyIn a mild manner
- quietlyWithout making noise
- unobtrusivelyWithout attracting attention
- inconspicuouslyWithout attracting attention
discreetly · subtly · mildly · low-key · unpretentiously · unassumingly · tactfully · politely
Without full commitment
- uncertainlyIn a doubtful way
- haltinglyIn an unsteady manner
- falteringlyIn an unsteady manner
- waveringlyIn an unsteady manner
indecisively · doubtfully · irresolutely · timorously · gingerly · warily · apprehensively · reluctantly
At a slant
- vaguelyIn unclear fashion
- evasivelyAvoiding direct response
- circumspectlyWith watchful prudence
- ambiguouslyWith multiple possible meanings
elliptically · diplomatically · delicately · carefully · cautiously · guardedly · cagily
timidly
In fearful, hesitant fashion
- bashfullyIn a shy manner
- diffidentlyWith self-doubt
- sheepishlyIn a self-conscious way
self-consciously · reservedly · reticently · demurely · coyly · modestly · shrinkingly · retiringly · insecurely · nervously
meekly
In docile manner
- deferentiallyWith respectful yielding
- obedientlyIn a compliant manner
- compliantlyIn an acquiescent manner
acquiescently · docilely · subserviently · yieldingly · resignedly · tractably · dutifully · obsequiously · servilely · passively
softly
With little volume
- gentlyIn a mild manner
- quietlyWithout making noise
- unobtrusivelyWithout attracting attention
inconspicuously · discreetly · subtly · mildly · low-key · unpretentiously · unassumingly · tactfully · politely · inaudibly
tentatively
Without full commitment
- uncertainlyIn a doubtful way
- haltinglyIn an unsteady manner
- falteringlyIn an unsteady manner
waveringly · indecisively · doubtfully · irresolutely · timorously · gingerly · warily · apprehensively · reluctantly · guardedly
obliquely
At a slant
- vaguelyIn unclear fashion
- evasivelyAvoiding direct response
- circumspectlyWith watchful prudence
ambiguously · elliptically · diplomatically · delicately · carefully · cautiously · guardedly · cagily
unassertivelyassertively
In a self-assured way
forcefully · boldly · confidently · aggressively · dominantly