softened

[ˈsɒfənd]

softened Definition

  • 1made or become less hard or severe
  • 2made or become gentler or more sympathetic

Using softened: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "softened" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She softened her tone when she realized how upset he was.

  • Example

    The butter needs to be softened before you can mix it with the sugar.

  • Example

    His attitude towards her has softened since they started working together.

softened Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for softened

Antonyms for softened

Phrases with softened

  • to make bad news or a difficult situation easier to accept

    Example

    I tried to soften the blow by telling him that we could still be friends.

  • soften up

    to become less strict or severe, or to make someone else do so

    Example

    He's been known to soften up when he sees how much effort people are putting in.

  • soften one's stance

    to become less rigid or inflexible in one's position on an issue

    Example

    The politician softened his stance on immigration after hearing from his constituents.

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Summary: softened in Brief

The verb 'softened' [ˈsɒfənd] means to make or become less hard or severe, or to make or become gentler or more sympathetic. It is often used in relation to tone, attitude, or texture, as in 'She softened her tone when she realized how upset he was.' The phrase 'soften the blow' refers to making bad news or a difficult situation easier to accept, while 'soften up' means to become less strict or severe.

How do native speakers use this expression?