softened

Describes something that has been made less hard, firm, or intense; often used metaphorically to describe a reduction in harshness or severity.

ruОписывает что-то, что стало менее твёрдым, жёстким или интенсивным; часто используется метафорически для описания уменьшения резкости или суровости.esDescribe algo que se ha vuelto menos duro, rígido o intenso; se usa a menudo de forma metafórica para indicar una reducción de la aspereza o severidad.frDécrit quelque chose qui est devenu moins dur, rigide ou intense ; souvent utilisé métaphoriquement pour décrire une diminution de la dureté ou de la sévérité.deBezeichnet etwas, das weniger hart, fest oder intensiv geworden ist; wird oft bildlich für eine Verringerung von Schärfe oder Strenge verwendet.ptDescreve algo que se tornou menos duro, firme ou intenso; é usado frequentemente de forma metafórica para indicar redução de aspereza ou severidade.zh指某物变得不那么坚硬、强硬或强烈；常用于比喻，表示语气、态度或效果变得不那么尖锐或严厉。arيصف شيئًا أصبح أقل صلابة أو قسوة أو حدة، ويُستخدم كثيرًا مجازيًا للإشارة إلى تخفيف الشدة أو الصرامة أو القوة.

1. Made less hard or firm B1 formal

   Having been made physically softer or less rigid.

   • The butter was softened at room temperature.
   • The ground was softened by the rain.
   • The leather was softened with special oils.

   ruРазмягчённыйesablandadofrramollideErweichtptAmolecidozh变软的arمُنَعَّم

   Synonyms: mellowedtenderized

   Antonyms: hardenedsolidified

2. Made less harsh or severe B2 formal

   Having been made gentler, less strict, or less intense.

   • His softened tone made the criticism easier to accept.
   • The government's softened stance on the issue surprised many.
   • Her expression softened when she saw the child.

   ruСмягчённыйessuavizadofradoucideAbgemildertptSuavizadozh缓和的arمُخَفَّف

   Synonyms: alleviatedeasedlessenedmitigatedreducedrelievedtempered

   Antonyms: aggravatedhardenedintensifiedsharpenedstrengthened

3. Reduced in impact or effect B2 formal

   Made less powerful, strong, or noticeable.

   • The cushions softened the impact of the fall.
   • The lighting in the room was softened by the lampshades.
   • The colors were softened by the fog.

   ruСмягчённыйesatenuado / suavizadofratténuédeAbgeschwächtptAtenuadozh缓和的arمُخَفَّف

   Synonyms: alleviateddiminishedlessenedmitigatedmutedreducedtemperedweakened

   Antonyms: intensifiedsharpenedstrengthened

• more softened comparative form
• most softened superlative form

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

ruГлагол, используемый для обозначения действия по уменьшению твердости, жесткости или суровости чего-либо, или становления менее резким или интенсивным.esVerbo que se usa para indicar la acción de hacer algo menos duro, rígido o severo, o de volverse menos brusco o intenso.frVerbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de rendre quelque chose moins dur, moins rigide ou moins sévère, ou de devenir moins brusque ou moins intense.deVerb, das bezeichnet, etwas weicher, weniger hart oder weniger streng zu machen bzw. selbst weicher oder nachgiebiger zu werden.ptVerbo que indica a ação de tornar algo mais macio, menos rígido ou menos severo, ou de se tornar menos intenso, agudo ou ríspido.zh动词，表示使某物变软、变柔和，或使语气、态度、影响等变得不那么严厉、强烈或刺耳；也可表示自身变软或变得温和。arفعل يدل على تقليل الصلابة أو الشدة أو القسوة في شيء ما، أو أن يصبح الشيء أقل حدة أو قوة أو عنفاً.

1. Make less hard B1 formal

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

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

   ruСмягчитьesAblandar (hacer menos duro)frramollirdeWeichmachenptAmolecerzh使变软arتليين

   Synonyms: meltmollifypulpthaw

   Antonyms: hardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensity B2 formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   • 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.

   ruСмягчитьesSuavizar (reducir intensidad)frAtténuerdeAbschwächenptSuavizarzh缓和arتخفيف الحدّة

   Synonyms: alleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   Antonyms: aggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yielding B2 formal

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

   • 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.

   ruСмягчитьсяesablandarse, volverse benignofrs'adoucirdeSanfter werdenptSuavizar-sezh变温和arيلين

   Synonyms: easemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   Antonyms: hardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or image B2 formal IT

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

   • 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.

   ruСмягчитьessuavizar (sonido/imagen)frAdoucir (son ou image)deAbschwächenptSuavizarzh使柔和arتلطيف الصوت أو الصورة

   Synonyms: blurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   Antonyms: amplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influence B2 informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

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

   ruУступать влияниюesceder a la influenciafrCéder à l'influencedeSich beeinflussen lassenptCeder à influênciazh态度软化arالاستجابة للتأثير

   Synonyms: acquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   Antonyms: defyopposeresistwithstand

• softened past participle
• softened past simple
• softening present participle
• softens third person singular