Softening: meaning, definitions and examples

Repeating here, again referring to making something less hard, less severe, or gentler over time. Can apply to physical objects, attitudes, or tones.

• The softening of his stance made negotiations much easier

Use this word when describing actions or states aimed at reducing stress, rigidity, or tension, particularly in leisure activities or in a physical sense.

• After a long week, she looked forward to some relaxation at the spa

This word is often used when talking about reducing discomfort, tension, or difficulty, especially in situations like pain relief or financial burdens.

• The new policy is aimed at easing the economic strain on small businesses

Best in contexts where balancing or limiting extremes is involved, often linked to behavior, habits, or policies to prevent excess or abuse.

• He advised moderation in all aspects of life, including diet and exercise

Used when making something less hard or less severe. It often refers to the literal process of making something physically softer or to a figurative easing of harshness.

• The rain helped in the softening of the soil.
• He tried softening his tone to avoid conflict.

Refers to making something less strong or less intense. Unlike the other words, this often has a negative connotation, indicating a reduction in power or effectiveness.

• Her illness is weakening her day by day.
• The weakening of the currency has affected the economy.

Often used to describe the process of becoming more relaxed, gentle, or less severe over time. It can refer to people, flavors, or atmospheres.

• With age, he began mellowing and became more patient.
• The wine's flavor improved after mellowing for a few years.

Used when balancing or moderating something to create a more desirable quality. It is commonly associated with making emotions or reactions less extreme and more controlled.

• She is good at tempering her anger in stressful situations.
• The steel is stronger after tempering.

Can also refer specifically to reducing the hardness or firmness of a material or surface.

• The rain is softening the ground.
• Softening the butter will make it easier to spread.

Best used when describing a state of relaxed, smooth, or gentle, often over time. Frequently used with people, music, or taste.

• After some time, the wine has really mellowed.
• His voice is very mellow and soothing.

This word implies a reduction in strength, power, or intensity. It often has a negative connotation and is used in contexts like health, structures, or arguments.

• The illness has weakened him considerably.
• Constant criticism can weaken someone's confidence.

Appropriate for situations where something is being adjusted to a middle ground, avoiding extremes. Often used in contexts like behavior, temperature, or policy.

• She moderated her tone to keep the discussion calm.
• It's important to moderate your exercise routine to avoid injury.