soften
word
Definition
To make something less hard or more gentle, either physically (like making bread softer) or in attitude or language (speaking more kindly).
Usage & Nuances
Often used with physical objects ('soften the butter') or metaphorically ('soften your tone'). Common collocations: 'soften the blow', 'soften criticism'. Usually neutral in formality.
Spanish: ablandar - suavizarPortuguese (BR): amaciar - suavizarPortuguese (PT): amaciar - suavizarChinese (Simplified): 软化 - 使柔软Chinese (Traditional): 軟化 - 使柔軟Hindi: नरम करना - मुलायम बनानाArabic: يليّن - يخففBengali: নরম করা - কোমল করাRussian: смягчать - делать мягчеJapanese: 柔らかくする - 和らげるVietnamese: làm mềm - làm dịuKorean: 부드럽게 하다 - 완화하다Turkish: yumuşatmakUrdu: نرم کرنا - ہلکا کرناIndonesian: melunakkan - melunakkan (sikap/ucapan)
Example Sentences
Heat the butter to soften it before baking.
basic
The teacher spoke gently to soften her message.
basic
Water will soften dry soil.
basic
He tried to soften the bad news with a joke.
natural
Can you soften your tone a little?
natural
If you add cream, it will soften the flavor of the soup.
natural