softening

• Bezeichnet etwas, das weicher, weniger fest, hart oder streng macht; oft übertragen für die Verringerung von Intensität, Schärfe oder Strenge verwendet.

Describes something that makes or becomes less hard, firm, or severe; often used figuratively to describe a reduction in intensity or harshness.

1. Soothing or smoothing effectB2formal

   Having a quality that makes something softer, smoother, or more gentle, especially to the skin.

   Weichmachend

   • This lotion has a softening effect on dry skin.
   • The cream is known for its softening properties.
   • She uses a softening conditioner to make her hair silky.

   Synonymedemulcentemollientlenitivesoothing

• Substantiv, das den Vorgang oder das Ergebnis bezeichnet, etwas weicher, milder oder weniger intensiv zu machen; auch die Lockerung von Beschränkungen oder das Nachlassen von Härte.

A noun referring to the process or result of making or becoming softer in texture, consistency, or intensity.

unzählbar

1. Process of becoming softerB2formal

   The act or process of making something less hard, firm, or rigid.

   Erweichung

   • The softening of the butter made it easier to spread.
   • The softening of the metal occurs when it is heated.
   • The softening of the ground after rain made walking difficult.

   Synonymemellowingmollificationweakening

   Antonymehardeningsolidification

• Verb, das bezeichnet, etwas weicher, weniger hart oder weniger streng zu machen bzw. selbst weicher oder nachgiebiger zu werden.

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.

   Weichmachen

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

   Synonymemeltmollifypulpthaw

   Antonymehardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   Abschwächen

   • 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.

   Synonymealleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   Antonymeaggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

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

   Sanfter werden

   • 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.

   Synonymeeasemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   Antonymehardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

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

   Abschwächen

   • 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.

   Synonymeblurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   Antonymeamplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   Sich beeinflussen lassen

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

   Synonymeacquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   Antonymedefyopposeresistwithstand