softening

• Describe algo que hace que algo sea menos duro, rígido o severo, o que se vuelve menos intenso o agudo; se usa a menudo en sentido figurado para indicar una reducción de la intensidad o la aspereza.

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.

   Efecto suavizante o calmante

   • 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.

   Sinónimosdemulcentemollientlenitivesoothing

• Sustantivo que denota el proceso o resultado de hacer algo más suave, menos duro, rígido o intenso, ya sea en textura, consistencia, tono o actitud.

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

incontable

1. Process of becoming softerB2formal

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

   ablandamiento

   • 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.

   Sinónimosmellowingmollificationweakening

   Antónimoshardeningsolidification

• Verbo que se usa para indicar la acción de hacer algo menos duro, rígido o severo, o de volverse menos brusco o intenso.

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.

   Ablandar (hacer menos duro)

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

   Sinónimosmeltmollifypulpthaw

   Antónimoshardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   Suavizar (reducir intensidad)

   • 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.

   Sinónimosalleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   Antónimosaggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

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

   ablandarse, volverse benigno

   • 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.

   Sinónimoseasemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   Antónimoshardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

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

   suavizar (sonido/imagen)

   • 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.

   Sinónimosblurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   Antónimosamplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   ceder a la influencia

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

   Sinónimosacquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   Antónimosdefyopposeresistwithstand