soften

• Глагол, используемый для обозначения действия по уменьшению твердости, жесткости или суровости чего-либо, или становления менее резким или интенсивным.

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.

   Смягчить

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

   Synonymsmeltmollifypulpthaw

   Antonymshardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   Смягчить

   • 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.

   Synonymsalleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   Antonymsaggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

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

   Смягчиться

   • 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.

   Synonymseasemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   Antonymshardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

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

   Смягчить

   • 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.

   Synonymsblurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   Antonymsamplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   Уступать влиянию

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

   Synonymsacquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   Antonymsdefyopposeresistwithstand