Differences between save up and soften up
Save up means to accumulate money or resources over time for a specific purpose, while soften up means to make something softer or more pliable.
Meanings and Definitions: save up vs soften up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Save up
- 1For money for a particular purpose.
He's SAVING UP to buy a car.
- 2Collect or store something for future use.
I'm SAVING UP the receipts to claim on them all at once.
Soften up
- 1Weaken.
defenses; I think we can move in tomorrow.
- 2Do things to please someone in the hope that they will do what you want.
I paid for everything to SOFTEN them UP before they made the decision.
Usage Examples: save up, soften up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
save up
Example
She wants to save up for a new laptop.
Example
He saves up every month to buy a new phone.
soften up
Example
The negotiator tried to soften up the opposing party before the meeting.
Example
She softens up the butter before baking cookies.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Save up
To gradually collect or gather something over time.
Example
He was able to accumulate enough frequent flyer miles to take a free trip to Europe.
build up
To gradually increase or develop something over time.
Example
She was able to build up her endurance by running a little further each day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Soften up
To make meat more tender by pounding or marinating it.
Example
He used a meat mallet to tenderize the steak before grilling it.
loosen up
To make something less stiff or rigid.
Example
She used a hair conditioner to loosen up her tangled hair before brushing it.
Differences in save up vs soften up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: save up or soften up?
In daily conversation, people use save up more often than soften up. This is because save up is used for more common tasks such as saving money for a vacation or a new car. Soften up is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about making something softer or more pliable. So, while both phrases are used, save up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of save up and soften up
Save up and soften up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of save up and soften up
The tone of save up and soften up can differ based on context. Save up often carries a practical or goal-oriented tone when related to accumulating resources, while soften up typically has a tactile and descriptive tone, especially when referring to making something softer or more pliable.
