also: そうっと · そおっと · そーっと
adverb
Describes doing something in a careful, quiet, or light manner so as not to disturb or cause a reaction. Often used with verbs like 置く, 触れる, 撫でる, 閉める.
赤ちゃんを起こさないように、そっとドアを閉めた。
I closed the door softly so as not to wake the baby.
彼女はそっと彼の手に触れた。
She gently touched his hand.
adverb
Implies doing something quietly and unnoticed, often with a nuance of secrecy or avoiding attention. Compare with こっそり, which is more strongly about hiding an action.
See also: こっそり
彼は会議中にそっと部屋を抜け出した。
He stealthily slipped out of the room during the meeting.
そっと彼の様子をうかがった。
I secretly watched his reaction.
noun or participle which takes 'suru'
Used in the pattern そっとしておく or そっとする, meaning to leave someone or something undisturbed, without interfering. Often implies a considerate or cautious restraint.
彼は今、一人で考えたいようなので、そっとしておこう。
He seems to want to think alone right now, so let's leave him be.
その問題はしばらくそっとしておいたほうがいい。
It's better to leave that issue alone for a while.