Soften | Mean of soften in English Dictionary
/ˈsɑːfən/
- Verb
- to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm
- The butter will soften if left on the counter overnight.
- The wax softened (up) quickly.
- The recipe called for one stick of butter, softened.
- Heat softens (up) wax quickly.
- to make (something) less dry or rough
- The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather.
- The lotion softens dry skin.
- to make (something) less severe, harsh, extreme, etc.
- The company has softened its stance on dating in the workplace.
- His arrogance is softened by a good sense of humor. [=his sense of humor makes his arrogance less annoying]
- Passing clouds softened the glare of the sun. [=passing clouds made the sun less bright]
- to become less harsh, severe, extreme, etc.
- Her face/voice/expression softened when he entered the room.
- His criticism of the president has softened in the past year.
- to make (something) less painful, forceful, or harmful
- The grass softened my fall.
- Management tried to soften the impact of the layoffs by offering early retirement packages. = They tried to soften the blow by offering early retirement packages.
- to make (something) seem rounder or less sharp
- Her new haircut softened her features.
- to treat (someone) very well or kindly in order to make that person more likely to help you, give you something, etc.
- He tried to soften her up by buying her flowers.
- to weaken (an enemy) through military attacks
- They used artillery to soften up the enemy's defenses before launching a full-scale attack.