Soften: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒธ
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soften

 

[ หˆsษ’fษ™n ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

behavior

To make or become less severe, harsh, or strict. To moderate or tone down one's behavior or language.

Synonyms

alleviate, lessen, mitigate, mollify

Examples of usage

  • Taking a deep breath can help to soften your approach when discussing a sensitive topic.
  • She tried to soften the blow by adding a few positive comments to her critique.
Context #2 | Verb

texture

To make something soft or softer in texture. To make something less hard or firm.

Synonyms

loosen, macerate, relax, tenderize

Examples of usage

  • She used a special fabric softener to soften the towels.
  • The butter will soften if you leave it out at room temperature for a while.
Context #3 | Verb

sound

To make a sound less harsh or loud. To reduce the intensity or volume of a sound.

Synonyms

dampen, muffle, mute, quiet

Examples of usage

  • He asked the band to soften the music during dinner.
  • The sound of the rain helped to soften the noise of the traffic outside.

Translations

Translations of the word "soften" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น amolecer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅเคฒเคพเคฏเคฎ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ (mulayam karna)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช erweichen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ melunakkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพะผ'ัะบัˆะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zmiฤ™kczyฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŸ”ใ‚‰ใ‹ใใ™ใ‚‹ (yawarakaku suru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท adoucir

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ablandar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yumuลŸatmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ€๋“œ๋Ÿฝ๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๋‹ค (budeureopge hada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชู„ูŠูŠู† (talyฤซn)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zmฤ›kฤit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zmierniลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไฝฟๅ˜่ฝฏ (shว biร n ruวŽn)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zmehฤati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mรฝkja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถาฑะผัะฐั€ั‚ัƒ (zhumsartu)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒ“ แƒ’แƒแƒ™แƒ”แƒ—แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ (rbilad gak'eteba)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yumลŸaltmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ablandar

Etymology

The word 'soften' originated from the Middle English word 'softnen', which is derived from the Old English word 'sฤ“ftan'. The concept of softening has been an essential part of human communication and behavior, allowing individuals to moderate their approach, tone, or texture. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from emotions and behavior to physical textures and sounds.

See also: soft, softball, softbox, softcover, softenable, softener, softening, softie, softly, softness, software, softy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,644, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.