soften
/ˈsɒf(ə)n
/verb
1Make or become soft or softer: [with object]: plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin [no object]: let the vegetables soften over a low heat...
- When the oil is hot, add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- These are products which can prevent drying of the skin, thereby moisturizing and softening the skin.
- It offers a rich, creamy lather that will invigorate, moisturize and soften your hair.
1.1 [with object] (Of a market, currency, or commodity) fall in value: the share price has softened recently rents have softened in out-of-town locations sales could soften if the economy turns down...
- Many cities with a high proportion of college graduates also have expensive homes, even with the softening real estate market.
- Owners of gold in any form might consider buying a quantity of short funds to soften the tremendous volatility of gold.
- Member countries cannot revert to tax cuts or fiscal easing to soften the impact of the strong euro on their big exporters.
2Make or become less severe: [with object]: a major injection of private cash could soften the blow for the taxpayer [no object]: her expression softened at the sight of Diane’s white face...
- Something sharp and dangerous transformed his face, his expression going from that of a parent trying to soften a blow to a dark anger.
- The combination lets people have it both ways: The foam keeps the cushion upright and helps it hold its shape, while the down makes a comfortable seat and softens the severe line of the foam.
- Better to wait until bubbles burst and manage the consequences, softening the economic blow by loosening monetary policy very quickly.
Synonyms
alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, take the edge off, assuage, allay, dull, cushion, lessen, moderate, temper, mitigate, palliate, diminish, decrease, blunt, deaden, abate, tone down
rare lenify
die down, abate, subside, moderate, let up, calm down, lessen, grow less, decrease, diminish, slacken, dwindle, weaken
2.1 [with object] Undermine the resistance of (someone): the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender...
- We're hoping that maybe you can soften him just enough that he will tell us at least something of what we need to know.
- He has softened him up and now he moves to place his Knight on a better square.
- You will not soften us up by telling us the problems.
Synonyms
weaken, undermine someone's resistance, reduce someone's defensive capability
3 [with object] Remove mineral salts from (water).Observations have shown increased copper levels in water softened with ion exchange water softeners....
- The higher the concentration of these minerals, the more sodium needed to soften the water.
- The vinegar in this formula will help to remove stains, odors and soften the water.
