Softening

/ˈsɒf.ən.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The process of making something softer or less severe.

The softening of the butter made it easier to mix into the batter.

A reduction in severity or harshness.

The softening of the government's stance on the policy pleased many citizens.

verb

The act of making something less hard or severe.

The prolonged heat treatment led to the softening of the metal.

To become less harsh or severe.

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.

To make things easier or more lenient in a negotiation.

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

To reduce the hostility in a discussion.

She started softening the argument to avoid a fight.