softened

[ˈsɒfənd]

softened Definition

• 1. made or become less hard or severe
• 2. made 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

• relaxed
• eased
• moderated

Antonyms for softened

• hardened
• strengthened
• intensified

Phrases with softened

• soften the blow

  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.