soften

• فعل يدل على تقليل الصلابة أو الشدة أو القسوة في شيء ما، أو أن يصبح الشيء أقل حدة أو قوة أو عنفاً.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something less hard, firm, or severe, or becoming less harsh or intense.

1. Make less hardB1formal

   To make something physically less hard, firm, or rigid.

   تليين

   • The heat will soften the butter.
   • She used a conditioner to soften her hair.
   • Soak the beans overnight to soften them.

   المرادفاتmeltmollifypulpthaw

   الأضدادhardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   تخفيف الحدّة

   • The government tried to soften the impact of the new tax.
   • He softened his criticism with a few compliments.
   • The cushions soften the blow of a fall.

   المرادفاتalleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   الأضدادaggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

   To become more gentle, kind, or less strict in attitude.

   يلين

   • Her expression softened when she saw the child.
   • He refused to soften his stance on the issue.
   • The teacher softened after hearing the student's explanation.

   المرادفاتeasemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   الأضدادhardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

   To make sounds or images less sharp, loud, or distinct.

   تلطيف الصوت أو الصورة

   • The editor softened the background music in the film.
   • You can soften the lighting with a lampshade.
   • The software can soften the edges of a photograph.

   المرادفاتblurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   الأضدادamplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   الاستجابة للتأثير

   • He eventually softened and agreed to help.
   • She refused to soften under the intense negotiation.
   • The company softened its position after public backlash.

   المرادفاتacquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   الأضدادdefyopposeresistwithstand