Soften - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Soften means to make something less hard, harsh, or severe. It can describe physical changes, like softening butter, or emotional ones, like softening one’s tone to sound kinder.
Definition:
To make or become less hard, severe, or harsh.
Synonyms:
weaken, moderate, temper, alleviate
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
harden, toughen, stiffen
Common Collocations:
soften the blow, soften skin, soften water, soften tone
Derivatives:
softener, softening, softened
Usage Tips:
Use "soften" to describe making something gentler or less intense physically or emotionally.
Common Phrases:
soften the blow, soften up someone’s heart, soften one’s stance
Etymology:
Derived from Old English "sōfte" (gentle) + "-en" (verb-forming suffix).
Examples:
- 1. The butter will soften if left at room temperature.
- 2. She tried to soften her criticism with a smile.
- 3. The rain helped soften the dry soil in the garden.
- 4. His voice softened when he spoke to the child.