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soften

[ˈsɒfən]

soften Definition

  • 1make or become soft or softer
  • 2make someone less angry or hostile

Using soften: Examples

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

  • Example

    She used a hair conditioner to soften her hair.

  • Example

    The butter will soften if you leave it out of the fridge.

  • Example

    He tried to soften the blow by offering her a job in another department.

  • Example

    She hoped that his apology would soften her father's anger.

soften Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for soften

Antonyms for soften

Phrases with soften

  • soften up

    make someone or something more vulnerable or receptive

    Example

    The coach made them run laps to soften them up before the game.

  • soften one's stance

    become less rigid or uncompromising in one's position

    Example

    After hearing the other side's argument, she softened her stance on the issue.

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

    Example

    He tried to soften the blow by telling her gently that he was leaving.

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Summary: soften in Brief

The verb 'soften' [ˈsɒfən] means to make or become soft or less hard, as in 'The butter will soften if you leave it out of the fridge.' It can also mean to make someone less angry or hostile, such as 'She hoped that his apology would soften her father's anger.' The phrase 'soften up' means to make someone or something more vulnerable or receptive, while 'soften the blow' means to make bad news or a difficult situation easier to accept or deal with.

How do native speakers use this expression?