Meaning & Definition of word "Softening"

Softening

/ˈsɒf.ən.ɪŋ/

1. The process of making something softer or less severe.
- Example: The softening of the butter made it easier to mix into the batter.
2. A reduction in severity or harshness.
- Example: The softening of the government's stance on the policy pleased many citizens.

1. The act of making something less hard or severe.
- Example: The prolonged heat treatment led to the softening of the metal.
2. To become less harsh or severe.
- Example: Her tone was softening as she spoke to him about his troubles.

From the verb 'soften', which comes from Old English 'sofigan'; meaning 'to make soft'.

softening the blow:

Making a difficult situation easier to accept.

softening one's stance:

Becoming less strict or more lenient in one's position.

softening up:

To become more gentle or less aggressive.

soft:

Having a pleasing or agreeable quality that is not harsh.

softer:

More soft than something else.

softly:

In a soft manner.

Meaning: To make things easier or more lenient in a negotiation.

Example Sentence: We're going to try softening the terms a bit for the agreement.

Meaning: To reduce the hostility in a discussion.

Example Sentence: She started softening the argument to avoid a fight.