soften

/'sɔfn/

Friendly

Explanation of "Soften"

Definition:
"Soften" is a verb that means to make something less hard or firm, or to become less hard yourself. It can also mean to make something less severe or harsh.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb, "soften" is used to describe the action of making something softer.
• You can use it in different contexts, such as food, emotions, or even sounds.

Examples:

1. Physical Softening:

   • "If you pour some water on the bread, it will soften."

2. Emotional Context:

   • "He tried to soften his words when he spoke to the upset child."

3. Sound:

   • "The music was too loud; can you soften it a bit?"

Advanced Usage:

• "Soften" can also refer to making something less intense or severe, such as an argument or criticism.
  • Example: "The manager decided to soften his criticism to avoid upsetting the team."

Word Variants:

• Soft (adjective): Having a smooth texture that is not hard or firm.

  • Example: "The soft pillow was comfortable to sleep on."

• Softly (adverb): In a gentle or quiet way.

  • Example: "She spoke softly to calm the baby."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Context: Making something physically softer (like bread or fabric).
2. Emotional Context: Making a situation or tone less harsh or severe.
3. Impact Context: Reducing the force or severity of something, like a fall.

Synonyms:

• Diminish: To lessen in amount or intensity.
• Ease: To make something less severe or difficult.
• Mitigate: To make less severe or serious.
• Cushion: To protect from impact or shock.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Soften the blow: To make bad news easier to accept.

  • Example: "He tried to soften the blow by giving her a compliment first."

• Soften one's stance: To change one's opinion to be less strict or severe.

  • Example: "After hearing the arguments, she decided to soften her stance on the issue."

Summary:

"Soften" is a versatile verb used in various contexts, from making physical objects less firm to altering emotional tones.

Academic

Verb

1. become soft or softer
   • The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it
2. make soft or softer
   • This liquid will soften your laundry
3. make less severe or harsh
   • He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
4. protect from impact
   • cushion the blow
5. give in, as to influence or pressure
6. lessen in force or effect
   • soften a shock
   • break a fall
7. make (images or sounds) soft or softer

Synonyms

• mince
• moderate
• cushion
• buffer
• yield
• relent
• dampen
• damp
• weaken
• break