Softness: meaning, definitions and examples

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softness

[ˈsɒftnɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of fabric

The quality or state of being soft; a gentle and pleasant quality; the degree to which a fabric is soft to the touch.

Synonyms

gentleness, smoothness, tenderness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softness	Describes something that is not hard and has a pleasant, gentle feel to touch. The softness of the blanket made it perfect for a cozy night in The softness of her voice was soothing
gentleness	Refers to the quality of being kind, mild, and not harsh or severe. Her gentleness with the children was admirable He spoke with a gentleness that calmed everyone in the room
tenderness	Indicates a quality of being delicate, sensitive, and kind, often associated with emotions or feelings. He treated her injuries with great tenderness Her tenderness towards animals is well-known
smoothness	Describes a surface or texture that is even and free from roughness, lumps or bumps. The smoothness of the marble countertop impressed everyone She admired the smoothness of the car's paint job

Examples of usage

The softness of the cashmere sweater made it a delight to wear.
She was drawn to the softness of the silk scarf.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

of character

The quality of being mild or gentle in character; the trait of being easily approachable or kind.

Synonyms

gentleness, kindness, mildness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softness	Describes a gentle and pleasing physical touch or texture; Can also describe emotional qualities. The baby's skin had an incredible softness Her voice carried a softness that was calming
kindness	Refers to being friendly, generous, and considerate; Primarily used in interpersonal interactions. Her kindness was evident when she helped the elderly woman across the street Small acts of kindness can make a big difference
mildness	Describes something that is not severe or intense; Can refer to weather, flavor, or temperament. The mildness of the climate made it a perfect vacation spot His response displayed a mildness that was unexpected
gentleness	Implies a kind, calm, and tender demeanor; Often used in describing behavior towards others. His gentleness with the animals was admirable She handled the fragile vase with gentleness

Examples of usage

His softness towards animals showed his compassionate nature.
She appreciated his softness in dealing with difficult situations.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in music

The quality of being gentle or mellow in sound; the smoothness and lack of harshness in musical tones.

Synonyms

gentleness, mellowness, smoothness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
softness	Used to describe the texture or comfort of physical objects, emotions, or tones. The softness of the blanket made it perfect for a cozy night. Her voice had a softness that calmed everyone around her.
mellowness	Typically applied to describe the pleasantly calm and smooth quality of something, such as aging in wines, music, or personality with maturity. The mellowness of the aged wine made it a favorite at the dinner party. His mellowness only increased with age, making him a joy to be around.
smoothness	Refers to the sleek, even texture or consistency of a surface or experience; can also describe effortless movement or fluent speech. The smoothness of the table's surface felt like silk. Her speech was noted for its smoothness and clarity.
gentleness	Often refers to the quality of being kind and careful, showing consideration and tenderness, especially in behavior. His gentleness with the puppy was heartwarming. She spoke with a gentleness that reassured the frightened child.

Examples of usage

The softness of the piano melody created a soothing atmosphere.
The violinist played with a remarkable softness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'softness' comes from the Old English 'sond,' meaning gentle or mild, which evolved to imply comfort and ease.
In Middle English, 'soft' referred to something that was not hard or harsh and was associated with tenderness.
The suffix '-ness' turns an adjective into a noun, showing the state or quality of being, in this case, being soft.

Psychology

Research shows that soft textures can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and comfort.
Softness in touch is often linked to positive emotions; it can evoke feelings of safety and care.
Children's toys are often made of soft materials to foster a sense of security and attachment.

Arts

Many artists use soft colors and textures in their work to create a soothing atmosphere or evoke gentle feelings.
Softness in poetry often reflects themes of love, tenderness, and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect on an emotional level.
In music, soft melodies can evoke feelings of warmth and tranquility, similar to the physical sensation of softness.

Pop Culture

In popular media, soft characters or themes often symbolize kindness and empathy, such as gentle protagonists in children's stories.
Softness has influenced fashion trends, where soft fabrics like velvet and cashmere are associated with luxury and comfort.
Animated films frequently use soft animation styles to create adorable and appealing characters, enhancing their charm.

Science

In material science, softness is measured by hardness tests, often impacting the material's function and application.
Animals with soft fur, like rabbits and kittens, often experience higher levels of social bonding and care-giving behaviors from humans.
Softness in nature, such as that found in cotton or down feathers, provides adaptive advantages, like insulation and protection.

Translations

Translations of the word "softness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maciez

🇮🇳 मुलायमपन

🇩🇪 Weichheit

🇮🇩 kelembutan

🇺🇦 м'якість

🇵🇱 miękkość

🇯🇵 柔らかさ (yawarakasa)

🇫🇷 douceur

🇪🇸 suavidad

🇹🇷 yumuşaklık

🇰🇷 부드러움 (budeureoum)

🇸🇦 نعومة

🇨🇿 měkkost

🇸🇰 mäkkosť

🇨🇳 柔软 (róuruǎn)

🇸🇮 mehkoba

🇮🇸 mýkt

🇰🇿 жұмсақтық

🇬🇪 რბილობა

🇦🇿 yumşaqlıq

🇲🇽 suavidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,034, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14031 prowess
14032 impartiality
14033 usefully
14034 softness
14035 ratify
14036 bromine
14037 aerodynamic
...