Mellowing: meaning, definitions and examples

Mellowing is used to describe a gradual process of becoming more relaxed, gentle, or mature over time. It's often applied to people, wine, or music.

• As she aged, she found herself mellowing and being more patient with others.
• The wine was mellowing in the cellar for years, developing a richer flavor.

Soften is often used to describe making something less hard or severe, physically or emotionally. It can also refer to making an attitude or stance less strict.

• You need to soften the butter before adding it to the dough.
• His stance on the issue began to soften after hearing the other side’s arguments.

Relax is used when someone wants to become less tense or stressed, often involving resting or doing enjoyable activities.

• After a long day at work, she likes to relax with a good book.
• He told her to relax and enjoy the vacation.

Calm down is used for a quick action where someone or something needs to become less agitated or excited. It’s common in moments of stress or anger.

• Please, calm down, there's no need to yell.
• He needed to calm down before he could think clearly.

Used for describing something that becomes more pleasant, relaxed, or mature over time, often used for people or experiences.

• Over the years, she has been mellowing and becoming less strict.
• The wine's flavor has been mellowing with age.

Commonly used to describe the process of getting older. Can apply to people, objects, or substances and does not imply improvement or deterioration.

• With age comes wisdom.
• The painting has aged considerably.

Broader term generally used to describe the process of growth or expansion in various fields such as skills, products, or relationships.

• She has developed a new software.
• The land was developed into a park.

Primarily used to describe the process of fruits and vegetables reaching a stage where they are ready to be eaten. Can also metaphorically describe ideas or plans.

• The apples will ripen by the end of summer.
• His business plan is beginning to ripen into reality.