soften

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de rendre quelque chose moins dur, moins rigide ou moins sévère, ou de devenir moins brusque ou moins intense.

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.

   ramollir

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

   Synonymesmeltmollifypulpthaw

   Antonymeshardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   Atténuer

   • 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.

   Synonymesalleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   Antonymesaggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

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

   s'adoucir

   • 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.

   Synonymeseasemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   Antonymeshardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

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

   Adoucir (son ou image)

   • 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.

   Synonymesblurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   Antonymesamplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   Céder à l'influence

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

   Synonymesacquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   Antonymesdefyopposeresistwithstand