soft
pronunciation
How to pronounce soft in British English:
UK [sɒft]
How to pronounce soft in American English:
US [sɔːft]
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- Adjective:
- lacking in hardness relatively or comparatively
- metaphorically soft
- of sound; relatively low in volume
- easily hurt
- used chiefly as a direction or description in music
- used of beverages; not containing alcohol
- of speech sounds; characterized by a hissing or hushing sound (as `s' and `sh')
- tolerant or lenient
- having little impact
- not burdensome or demanding; borne or done easily and without hardship
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- Adverb:
- in a relaxed manner; or without hardship
Word Origin
- soft
- soft: [OE] Soft goes back to a prehistoric West Germanic *samft-, which also produced German sanft ‘gentle, easy, smooth’ and Dutch zacht ‘soft’. It may go back ultimately to the prehistoric base *sōrn- ‘fitting, agreeable’, source of English seem and seemly.=> seem, seemly
- soft (adj.)
- Old English softe, earlier sefte, "gentle, mild-natured; easeful, comfortable, calm, undisturbed; luxurious," from West Germanic *samfti, from Proto-Germanic *samftijaz "level, even, smooth, gentle, soft" (cognates: Old Saxon safti, Old High German semfti, German sanft; and from a variant form with -ch- for -f-, Middle Dutch sachte, Dutch zacht, German sacht), from root *som- "fitting, agreeable." From c. 1200 of material things, "not stiff, not coarse, fine; yielding to weight." From late 14c. of wind, rain, etc. Of sounds, "quiet, not loud," from early 13c. Of words, "mild, restrained; courteous" mid-14c. From late 14c. as "indulgent," also "physically feeble; easily overcome, lacking manly courage." From 1755 of water ("relatively free from mineral salts"), from 1789 of coal. Meaning "foolish, simple, silly" is attested from 1620s; earlier "easily moved or swayed; soft-hearted, sympathetic; docile" (early 13c.). In reference to drinks, "non-alcoholic" from 1880. As an adverb, Old English softe "gently;" late 13c. as "quietly." As an interjection from 1540s. Soft landing is from 1958 and the U.S. space program. Adjective soft-core (in reference to pornography) is from 1966 (see hardcore). Soft rock as a music style is attested from 1969. Soft sell is from 1955. Soft-shoe as a dancing style is attested from 1927. Soft-boiled is from 1757 of eggs; of persons, ideas, etc., 1930 (compare half-baked). Soft-focus (adj.) of camera shots is from 1917. The softer sex "women collectively" is from 1640s.
Example
- 1. But soft power has provided a narrative .
- 2. I need fabric softener to keep my towels soft .
- 3. Portraits should usually be taken in soft light .
- 4. Weathered driftwood browns and tans inspired from beach sand and seashells to soft greens , yellows , and pastel blues paint the picture of nautical life .
- 5. The soft ground may have absorbed some of the impact .