softened

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Explanation of "Softened"

Definition:
The word "softened" is the past tense of the verb "soften." It means to make something less hard, less loud, or less strong. When something is softened, it can be easier to touch, hear, or understand.

Advanced Usage:

• In Literature: "The harshness of winter was softened by the warmth of spring." (This means that the cold feeling of winter became gentler as spring arrived.)
• In Music: "The artist softened the melody to create a soothing atmosphere." (The melody became more gentle and relaxing.)

Word Variants:

• Noun: Softness (the quality of being soft)
• Adjective: Soft (not hard; gentle)
• Adverb: Softly (in a gentle or quiet manner)

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Softening: Making a hard object softer (like softening butter).
2. Emotional Softening: Making a statement or tone gentler (like softening criticism).
3. Sound Softening: Reducing the volume or intensity of sound (like muffled noises).

Synonyms:

• Made gentler
• Calmed
• Muffled
• Muted
• Reduced

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Softened the blow": This idiom means to make something bad less severe. For example, "She softened the blow of the bad news by giving some good news first."
• "Softened up": This phrasal verb means to become less strict or harsh.

Academic

Adjective

1. being or made softer or less loud or clear
   • the dull boom of distant breaking waves
   • muffled drums
   • the muffled noises of the street
   • muted trumpets
2. toned down

Synonyms

• dull
• muffled
• muted