Soften
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈsɒfən/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Soften is a verb meaning (transitive) To make something soft or softer.
Meaning
(transitive) To make something soft or softer.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
- (transitive) To make less harsh.
- (intransitive) To become soft or softer.
- (ambitransitive, phonology) To become or make (a consonant) more lenis, to lenite.
- (Slavic phonology) To palatalize.
Example Sentences
The butter softened as it warmed up.
Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.
Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.
Word Forms
- softens
- softening
- softened
Synonyms for soften
Depending on context, synonyms include emolliate, mollify, tenderize, subdue, temper, yield.
Antonyms for soften
Common opposites include harden, stand, sharpen.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include moderate, relent, weaken, break, yield, dampen.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.