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Softening: meaning, definitions and examples

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softening

[ ˈsɒfnɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emotions

The act of making something soft or softer. It can also refer to the process of becoming less severe or intense.

Synonyms

easing, moderation, relaxation

Examples of usage

The softening of the butter helped in mixing the ingredients smoothly.
The softening of his voice indicated a change in his attitude towards the situation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

material science

The process of making a material or substance softer by applying heat or moisture.

Synonyms

mellowing, tempering, weakening

Examples of usage

The softening of the metal allowed it to be molded into different shapes.
The softening of the fabric made it more comfortable to wear.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

actions

The act of making something soft or softer.

Synonyms

mellow, moderate, weaken

Examples of usage

She was softening the butter to prepare the dough.
His words were aimed at softening the blow of the bad news.

Translations

Translations of the word "softening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amaciamento

🇮🇳 मुलायम करना

🇩🇪 Erweichung

🇮🇩 pelunakan

🇺🇦 пом'якшення

🇵🇱 zmiękczenie

🇯🇵 柔らかくすること

🇫🇷 assouplissement

🇪🇸 ablandamiento

🇹🇷 yumuşatma

🇰🇷 완화

🇸🇦 تليين

🇨🇿 změkčení

🇸🇰 zmiernenie

🇨🇳 软化

🇸🇮 mehčanje

🇮🇸 mýking

🇰🇿 жұмсарту

🇬🇪 შერბილება

🇦🇿 yumşaltma

🇲🇽 ablandamiento

Word origin

The word 'softening' has its origins in the Middle English term 'softnen', which is a combination of 'soft' and the suffix '-en'. The concept of softening has been prevalent in various fields such as cooking, material science, and emotions, where the process of making something soft or less intense is essential for different purposes.