softness

• Nom désignant la qualité ou l'état de ce qui est doux, incluant les propriétés physiques comme la facilité à se laisser déformer sous une pression, ainsi que les qualités métaphoriques telles que la tendresse, la délicatesse ou l'absence de dureté.

A noun referring to the quality or state of being soft, encompassing physical properties such as yielding to pressure, as well as metaphorical qualities like gentleness, mildness, or lack of harshness.

indénombrable

1. Physical pliabilityB1formal

   The property of yielding easily to pressure and being easily shaped or cut.

   Mollesse

   • The softness of the clay made it easy to mold.
   • She loved the softness of the velvet fabric.
   • The mattress's softness provided a comfortable night's sleep.

   Synonymesductilityflaccidityflexibilitylimpnessmalleabilitypliabilitysupplenesstractability

   Antonymesfirmnesshardnessrigiditystiffness

2. Poor physical conditionB2informal

   A state of being out of shape or physically unfit, often due to a life of ease.

   Manque d'entraînement

   • His softness was evident after years of desk work.
   • The athlete's softness surprised the coach after the off-season.
   • A life of luxury had led to a certain softness in his physique.

   Synonymesdebilityflabbinessfrailtyunfitnessweakness

   Antonymesfitnesshardinesstoughness

3. Mild weatherB1formal

   The quality of weather that is pleasantly mild and soothing.

   Douceur (du temps)

   • The softness of the spring breeze was refreshing.
   • They enjoyed the softness of the evening air.
   • The softness of the climate made the region popular with tourists.

   Synonymesbalminessclemencygentlenessmildnesstemperateness

4. Economic declineC1formal

   A state of declining economic conditions or a market downturn.

   ralentissement économique

   • The softness in the housing market worried investors.
   • Economic softness led to lower consumer spending.
   • Analysts predicted a period of softness in the tech sector.

   Synonymesdeclinedownturnslacknessslowdownslumpsofteningweakness

   Antonymesboomstrength

5. Quietness of soundB2formal

   A sound property characterized by being free from loudness or harshness.

   Douceur du son

   • The softness of her voice calmed the crying child.
   • He appreciated the softness of the music in the background.
   • The softness of the whisper made it hard to hear.

   Synonymesfaintnessgentlenesshushquietquietness

   Antonymesharshnessloudnessnoisinessvolume

6. Subdued visual qualityB2formal

   A visual property that is muted and free from brilliance or glare.

   Douceur visuelle

   • The softness of the lighting created a romantic atmosphere.
   • The painting's softness gave it a dreamlike quality.
   • She preferred the softness of pastel colors over bright hues.

   Synonymesdimnessdullnessgentlenessmellownesssubduedness

   Antonymesbrillianceglareharshness