softening

• Décrit ce qui rend ou devient moins dur, rigide ou sévère ; souvent utilisé au sens figuré pour décrire une réduction d'intensité ou de dureté.

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.

   adoucissant

   • 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.

   Synonymesdemulcentemollientlenitivesoothing

• Nom qui désigne le processus ou le résultat du fait de rendre quelque chose plus doux, plus souple, plus malléable ou moins intense, que ce soit au sens physique ou figuré.

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

indénombrable

1. Process of becoming softerB2formal

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

   ramollissement

   • 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.

   Synonymesmellowingmollificationweakening

   Antonymeshardeningsolidification

• 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