soften

Study(14)

UK /ˈsɒfən/ US /ˈsɑf(t)ən/

verb 5

Collocations

(verb.) become/make sth softer/gentler

ADV

considerably, a lot

a little, slightly

The teacher's strict expression softened a little when she saw the students' effort.

(verb.) make sth seem less severe

ADV

slightly, somewhat

VERB + SOFTEN

try

She tried to soften the news by telling him the good parts first.

help (to)

Definitions

verb

To make something soft or softer.

Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.

To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).

Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.

To make less harsh.

Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.

I have recently reclad the south-west facing side of my single-storey cottage […]. I now want to plant some climbers of more manageable proportions to soften the building.

To become soft or softer.

The butter softened as it warmed up.

To become or make (a consonant) more lenis, to lenite.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

verb — lessen in force or effect

verb — make less severe or harsh

verb — protect from impact

verb — give in, as to influence or pressure

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

soften up

To make softer.

soften someone's cough

To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic.

'Ha! That's softened your cough. Now, we'll waste no more time out here gabbing,' and that leather, hobgoblin face became very, very businesslike.

soften the ground

To prepare or create favorable conditions (for something), especially with the intent of improving public acceptance of the forthcoming occurrence.

A steady rhythm of leaks and informed speculation prepared America for the President's Lewinsky confessional. . . . "The leaks definitely softened the ground for Clinton," says TIM

Example Bank

Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.

Wiktionary

Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.

Wiktionary

Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.

Wiktionary

What can cheer up, soften, color everything - a big love.

Tatoeba · #2826755

You can soften dialysis tubing by soaking it in water.

Tatoeba · #5605688

Chloe's marriage is in the care of another deity: as for yourself, however, we will furnish you with means to soften Dryas, and gain his consent.

Tatoeba · #6213201

Usage Notes

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