soften

verb

/ˈsɒfn/

/ˈsɔːfn/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they soften	/ˈsɒfn/ /ˈsɔːfn/
he / she / it softens	/ˈsɒfnz/ /ˈsɔːfnz/
past simple softened	/ˈsɒfnd/ /ˈsɔːfnd/
past participle softened	/ˈsɒfnd/ /ˈsɔːfnd/
-ing form softening	/ˈsɒfnɪŋ/ /ˈsɔːfnɪŋ/

Idioms Phrasal Verbs

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[intransitive, transitive] to become, or to make something softer
- Fry the onions until they soften.
- soften something a lotion to soften the skin
- Linseed oil will soften stiff leather.
[intransitive, transitive] soften (something) to become or to make something less bright, rough or strong
- Trees soften the outline of the house.
[intransitive, transitive] to become or to make somebody/something more kind or friendly and less severe or critical
- She felt herself softening towards him.
- His face softened as he looked at his son.
- soften somebody/something She softened her tone a little.
Extra Examples
- Her face softened into a smile.
- I've softened somewhat in my advancing age.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adverb
- considerably
- a lot
- a bit
- …
preposition
- towards/toward
See full entry
[transitive] soften something to reduce the force or the unpleasant effects of something synonym cushion
- Airbags are designed to soften the impact of a car crash.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adverb
- slightly
- somewhat
verb + soften
- try to
- help (to)
phrases
- soften the blow (of something)
- soften into a smile
See full entry

Idioms

soften/cushion the blow

to make something that is unpleasant seem less unpleasant and easier to accept
- I should try to soften the blow of this news.
- The chancellor may try to soften the blow somewhat with a cut in interest rates.

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