Softened: meaning, definitions and examples

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softened

 

[ ˈsɔːfənd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

food preparation

Softened refers to the process of making something less hard or firm, often through heating or adding moisture. In cooking, it typically relates to ingredients that need to be made more pliable for easier mixing, spreading, or blending.

Synonyms

dampened, lessened, mollified, softened up

Examples of usage

  • I softened the butter before mixing it into the batter.
  • The chef softened the cream cheese to make it easier to spread on the bagels.
  • They softened the vegetables in the stew by cooking them for an extended period.
  • She softened the edges of the photo for a more dreamlike effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "softened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amolecido

🇮🇳 नर्म किया हुआ

🇩🇪 weich gemacht

🇮🇩 dilembutkan

🇺🇦 пом'якшений

🇵🇱 zmiękczony

🇯🇵 柔らかくした

🇫🇷 adouci

🇪🇸 suavizado

🇹🇷 yumuşatılmış

🇰🇷 부드럽게 한

🇸🇦 مُنعَّمة

🇨🇿 změkčený

🇸🇰 zmäkčený

🇨🇳 软化的

🇸🇮 omehčan

🇮🇸 mýkt

🇰🇿 жұмсартылған

🇬🇪 მორგებული

🇦🇿 yumşaldılmış

🇲🇽 suavizado

Etymology

The word 'softened' is derived from the verb 'soften', which has its origins in the Old English term 'softe', meaning 'gentle, mild, or pleasing'. The 'en' suffix in 'softened' indicates the past participle form of the verb. The use of 'soft' can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *swēþuz, which denotes something that is tender or not hard. Historically, the meaning of 'soft' has evolved to encompass emotions and textures describing items and conditions that provide comfort, ease, or gentleness. Over time, the term has also been applied metaphorically to describe changes in attitudes or strategies, reflecting a softer approach in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,919 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.