softens
|sof-ten|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɔːfən/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɒfən/
(soften)
make gentle or mild
Etymology
'soften' originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'softnian' (or 'softian'), where the root 'soft' meant 'not hard; yielding'.
'soften' changed from Old English 'softnian' and Middle English 'soften' and eventually became the modern English word 'soften' through regular morphological development (the adjective 'soft' + verbal suffix '-en').
Initially it meant 'to make soft' in a physical sense, but over time it came to include figurative senses such as 'to make less severe' or 'to make more lenient'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make physically less hard or rigid; to make something more pliable or supple.
Warm water softens hardened dough.
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Verb 2
to reduce the severity, intensity, or harshness of something (e.g., language, policy, reaction).
Her apology softens his criticism.
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Verb 3
to make someone less hostile or more sympathetic; to reduce someone's opposition.
A small gift often softens a skeptical customer.
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Last updated: 2025/12/11 18:58