What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
melt
Example
The ice cream started to melt in the sun. [melt: verb]
Example
The snowman melted away as the temperature rose. [melted: past tense]
soften
Example
You need to soften the butter before adding it to the mixture. [soften: verb]
Example
She softened her tone when speaking to the upset customer. [softened: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soften is more commonly used than melt in everyday language. Soften is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while melt is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between melt and soften?
Both melt and soften can be used in formal and informal contexts, but melt may be more technical or scientific in nature, while soften is more commonly used in everyday language.
