softening

• Описывает то, что делает или становится менее твёрдым, жёстким или суровым; часто используется в переносном смысле для описания снижения интенсивности или резкости.

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.

   Смягчающий

   • 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.

   Synonymsdemulcentemollientlenitivesoothing

• Существительное, обозначающее процесс или результат смягчения текстуры, консистенции или интенсивности.

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

uncountable

1. Process of becoming softerB2formal

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

   Размягчение

   • 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.

   Synonymsmellowingmollificationweakening

   Antonymshardeningsolidification

• 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