Softening Meaning in English
word · lemma: soften
Definition
The process of making something softer or less hard. It can refer to physical materials or to making attitudes, sounds, or rules gentler.
Usage & Nuances
'Softening' is often used for materials (like 'softening butter'), but also figuratively (e.g., 'softening one's tone'). Common collocations include 'softening effect' and 'softening up' (becoming more open or prepared). Formal or neutral.
Example Sentences
The softening of the clay made it easier to shape.
basic
Softening butter helps you spread it on bread.
basic
There was a softening in the teacher's tone when she saw I was upset.
basic
We noticed a softening of their position during the meeting.
natural
Adding milk causes a softening effect on the coffee's taste.
natural
The fabric's softening after each wash makes it so comfortable.
natural