soften

pronunciation

How to pronounce soften in British English: UK [ˈsɒfn] word uk audio image

How to pronounce soften in American English: US [ˈsɔfn] word us audio image

Verb:

make (images or sounds) soft or softer
lessen in force or effect
give in, as to influence or pressure
protect from impact
make less severe or harsh
make soft or softer
become soft or softer

Word Origin

soften (v.): late 14c., "to mitigate, diminish" (transitive), from soft (adj.) + -en (1). Meaning "to make physically soft" is from 1520s; intransitive sense of "to become softer" is attested from 1610s. Soften up in military sense of "weaken defenses" is from 1940. Related: Softened; softening.

Synonym

v.

tone mitigate reduce diminish ease relieve slacker lighten allay down lessen abate assuage moderate palliate weaken cushion alleviate

v.

lower deaden mute soft-pedal down damp throttle silence turn tone muffle

v.

compose relax pacify soothe placate mollify appease assuage temper down mellow slacken smooth attemper calm loosen

v.

affect disarm move touch melt

v.

acquiesce consent yield accede assent relax agree up give ease in

Example

1. It doesn 't make you weak to soften your positions .

2. This would soften political resistance in pakistan to any indian-driven solution .

3. Their wary opponents are manoeuvring to soften the expected blow .

4. Many republicans strategists have said the party must soften its stance on illegal immigration .

5. Cook , stirring often , for five minutes until they begin to soften .

more: >How to Use "soften" with Example Sentences