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soften Definition

soften (sôf′ən, säf′-)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

  1. to make or become soft or softer
  2. to weaken the resistance or opposition of

Etymology: ME softnen: see soft & -en

soften Synonyms

soften

v.

  1. To become soft

    dissolve, lessen, diminish, disintegrate, become tender, become mellow, thaw, melt, moderate, bend, give, yield, relax, relent.

    Antonyms stiffen*, solidify*, freeze. *

  2. To make soft

    mollify, mellow, assuage, moisten, modify, palliate, appease, temper, tone down, qualify, lower, tenderize, enfeeble, weaken, deliberate, mash, knead; see also decrease 2.

    Antonyms strengthen*, increase*, tone up.

soften Usage Examples

Object

  • blow: Even the big smile I got from the women next to me did not really soften the blow of getting booted.
  • stool: The latter especially helps soften the stools, making them easier to pass through the digestive tract.
  • onion: Method In a frying pan, soften the onion in the butter for a few minutes.
  • feces: Methylcellulose also helps to soften feces directly which makes them easier to pass.
  • beard: If you use a razor then soften the beard first with soap and warm water and shave lightly to avoid catching the spots.
  • wax: In a few hours the mites will be killed and the wax softened.

Modifying Another Word

  • slightly: Cook until slightly softened and add the diced potatoes, milk and stock.
  • considerably: Unfortunately, the record was ruined by its corporate sponsor when it finally achieved American release, with a considerably softened track listing.
  • gradually: Take your time and feel your body gradually soften and release.
  • somewhat: The pain of defeat was somewhat softened by the sharing around of chocolates, however.
  • quickly: The bright sunshine and mild temperatures will then quickly soften the snow cover.
  • thus: When surface meltwater refreezes internally, it releases huge amounts of latent heat thus softening the ice column.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • up: Prior to these operations the American armies would soften up Japan to the greatest extent by cutting off supplies from the south.
  • down: The parade caught the mood of their lord and any brevity soon softened down to respectful attendance.

Followed by a transitive particle

  • up: The warm bathing helps to soften up the scales first.
  • down: Eve had begun to feel the fascination of the evil one, for she softened down the word of God.

Used with why or when

when: He ignores her apology, but softens when she offers to cook a romantic meal for the two of them.

Particle object:

opinion: The problem they have is softening up public opinion.

Preposition: of

bone: This causes problems such as back pain, muscle wasting, osteoporosis ( softening of the bones ) and depression.

Preposition: for

minute: Sprinkle the gelatine over the surface and leave to soften for a few minutes.