soft

• Qualifie ce qui n'est pas dur ou rigide, qui cède facilement au toucher ; s'emploie aussi pour une qualité douce, délicate ou peu intense.

Describes something that is not hard or firm; yielding to touch; also used to describe a gentle or quiet quality.

1. Not hard or firmA1formal

   Having a texture that is easy to press or shape; yielding to touch.

   Mou, tendre

   • The pillow is very soft and comfortable.
   • She prefers a soft mattress for sleeping.
   • The bread is still soft and fresh.

   Synonymesdownyimpressionablemalleablepliablespongysquishysuppletendervelvetyyielding

   Antonymesfirmhardrigidsolidstiff

2. Gentle or quietA2formal

   Not loud, harsh, or forceful; gentle in sound or manner.

   Doux, douce

   • He spoke in a soft voice so as not to wake the baby.
   • The music was soft and relaxing.
   • She gave him a soft smile.

   Synonymesfaintgentlehushedlowmildmuffledquietsmoothsubduedtender

   Antonymesforcefulharshloudroughstern

3. Not strict or lenientB1informal

   Not severe or demanding; easygoing.

   indulgent, clément

   • The teacher is too soft on the students.
   • He has a soft approach to discipline.
   • Some parents are soft with their children.

   Synonymeseasygoingforbearinggentleindulgentlaxlenientmercifulpermissive

   Antonymesdemandingfirmharshrigorousseveresternstricttoughunyielding

4. Lacking strength or resilienceB1informal

   Weak or not physically strong.

   Manque de force ou de résistance

   • After the illness, he felt soft and tired.
   • The athlete was criticized for being soft during the game.
   • She is soft when it comes to lifting heavy weights.

   Synonymesdelicatefeeblefrailinfirmpunyweak

   Antonymesfirmhardresilientstrongsturdytough

• Adverbe signifiant « avec douceur, sans bruit ou de manière progressive ». S'emploie pour décrire des actions faites avec peu de force, de pression ou de bruit. La forme coïncide avec l'adjectif et ne prend pas la terminaison -ly.

An adverb meaning "in a gentle, quiet, or smooth manner." It is used to describe actions performed with little force, pressure, or noise. The form is identical to the adjective and does not take the -ly ending.

1. Gently or quietlyB1informal

   In a gentle, quiet, or mild manner.

   Doucement, avec douceur

   • She spoke soft to the crying child.
   • The music played soft in the background.
   • He tread soft so as not to wake the baby.

   Synonymesgentlylightlymildlytenderly

   Antonymesharshlyloudlyroughly