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A2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɒfən/
US
- /ˈsɑfən/
Meanings
Verb
to make or become softer, less hard, or less firm
to make something less harsh, severe, forceful, or intense
to become more gentle, sympathetic, or less upset or opposed
Beyond the definition
Imagine clay: hard at first, but easier to shape after water and kneading. That is the idea behind "soften." It describes something becoming less hard, less harsh, or less strong. A tough steak can soften when it is marinated. A stern expression can soften into a smile. Even your opinion might soften after a sincere apology. You can also soften the blow of bad news by saying it in a gentle way.
Think about light: bright sunlight can be softened by clouds, making it less sharp. Or think about sound: loud noises can soften as they travel farther away. It is all about reducing force or intensity.
To "soften" is a versatile word with several related meanings, all revolving around the idea of becoming more gentle, flexible, or less intense. At its core, it describes a change in texture, character, or feeling.
Physically, something can soften when exposed to heat, moisture, or pressure. Think about butter softening at room temperature or leather softening with conditioning. This is the most literal meaning—a shift from hard to yielding. "The rain softened the dry earth" describes this physical change.
However, "soften" often applies to more abstract concepts. Emotions can soften—a person's anger might soften into sadness, or grief might soften with time. Attitudes and opinions can also soften; someone who first opposed an idea might soften their stance after hearing new information. "Her heart softened toward him" suggests a change in her feelings.
You can even soften the way you deliver news or criticism. To "soften the blow" means to present something difficult in a gentle and considerate manner, lessening its impact. "He tried to soften his rejection with kind words."
Finally, "soften" can describe a reduction in intensity—light softening into dusk, sounds softening with distance, or colors softening as they fade.
So whether it's a physical change in material, an emotional shift within someone, or a deliberate attempt to lessen impact—to soften is to move towards gentleness, flexibility, and reduced force.
Examples
- 1
Food texture
Leave the butter out for a while so it can soften.
- 2
Sound
A thick carpet can soften the sound of footsteps upstairs.
- 3
Light
The curtains soften the harsh afternoon light.
- 4
Tone
He softened his tone and asked the question again.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Criticism
I rewrote the email to soften the criticism.
- 6
Bad news
The manager tried to soften the blow by giving everyone extra notice.
- Phrasesoften the blow
make bad news or a difficult situation feel less painful
- 7
Attitude change
Her attitude toward him began to soften after they worked together.
- Patternsoften toward + person
become less angry, strict, or unfriendly toward them
- 8
Facial expression
His face softened when he heard the baby laugh.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- softenverb
Forms
- softenedpast tenseverb
- softening-ing formverb
- softensverb