soften Definition
soften (sôf′ən, säf′-)
soften Synonyms
soften
v.
To become soft
dissolve, lessen, diminish, disintegrate, become tender, become mellow, thaw, melt, moderate, bend, give, yield, relax, relent. 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.
Browse dictionary entries near soften
- ‹ softcover
- ‹ softbound
- ‹ softball
- ‹ soft wheat
- ‹ soft touch
- ‹ soft spot
- ‹ soft-spoken
- ‹ soft soap
- ‹ soft shoulder
- ‹ soft-shoe
- softener ›
- softening of the brain ›
- softgoods ›
- softheaded ›
- softhearted ›
- softie ›
- softkey ›
- softness ›
- softphone ›
- softs ›

