What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
relent
Example
After seeing how hard he had worked, the boss relented and gave him the day off. [relented: verb]
Example
The rain finally relented, and the sun came out. [relented: past tense]
soften
Example
She softened her tone when she realized how upset he was. [softened: verb]
Example
The butter will soften if you leave it out of the fridge for a while. [soften: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soften is more commonly used than relent in everyday language. Soften is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while relent is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between relent and soften?
Both relent and soften are relatively formal words, but relent may be slightly more formal due to its association with decision-making and negotiation.
