WordGarden.iosoftness
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɒftnəs/
US
- /ˈsɔfnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the quality of being soft to the touch or easily yielding
a gentle or subdued quality in sound, light, or overall effect
gentleness, tenderness, or leniency in attitude or character
Beyond the definition
Softness isn't just about what feels nice to the touch – though that's certainly part of it! It describes a quality of gentleness, whether we're talking about a fluffy kitten, a kind word, or even the muted light of dusk. Think of the softness of a mother's voice soothing a crying child, or the soft glow of candlelight creating a cozy atmosphere.
You might describe velvet as having softness, but you can also talk about the softness in someone's heart – meaning their compassion and tenderness. A writer might use softness to describe a delicate painting style, lacking harsh lines. It's a quality that evokes comfort, peace, and a sense of ease.
Softness is a broad idea that includes both physical feeling and emotional qualities. At its most basic, it refers to the state of being easy to press, smooth to touch, or not hard – like the softness of cotton, down feathers, or freshly baked bread. You'd describe a baby's skin as having softness, especially when comparing it with something rough like sandpaper.
However, softness extends far beyond tactile experience. It can describe a gentle and kind disposition. A person known for their empathy and understanding might be described as possessing great softness. This emotional softness is often seen as a strength, allowing individuals to connect deeply with others and offer comfort in times of need.
The word also finds use in describing aesthetic qualities. We speak of the softness of light – diffused and gentle rather than harsh and glaring. A painter might strive for softness in their brushstrokes, creating a delicate and ethereal effect. Music can have softness, characterized by quiet melodies and soothing harmonies.
Ultimately, softness suggests a move away from harshness, rigidity, and aggression, offering instead a sense of peace, comfort, and gentle connection. It is the opposite of something abrasive or severe, and it often brings to mind safety, calm, and care.
Examples
- 1
Fabric feel
The softness of the blanket made it hard to get out of bed.
- 2
Skin texture
I was surprised by the softness of her hands after a day in the garden.
- 3
Gentle voice
There was a softness in his voice when he spoke to his daughter.
- 4
Interior design
The pale colors give the room a sense of softness.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Gentle disagreement
Even when she disagreed, she answered with a softness that kept the conversation calm.
- Phrasewith a softness
in a gentle, kind way
See also
Similar
- smoothness
- suppleness
- pliancy
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- fabric softness
- skin softness
- softness of texture
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- softnessnoun
Forms
- softnessespluralnoun