soften

• 动词，表示使某物变软、变柔和，或使语气、态度、影响等变得不那么严厉、强烈或刺耳；也可表示自身变软或变得温和。

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.

   使变软

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

   同义词meltmollifypulpthaw

   反义词hardensolidifystiffen

2. Reduce intensityB2formal

   To make something less severe, harsh, or forceful.

   缓和

   • 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.

   同义词alleviatediminisheaselessenmitigatemoderatetempertone down

   反义词aggravateheightenintensifysharpenstrengthen

3. Become gentle or yieldingB2formal

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

   变温和

   • 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.

   同义词easemellowmoderaterelaxrelentthawunbendyield

   反义词hardenstiffenstrengthentoughen

4. Modify sound or imageB2formalIT

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

   使柔和

   • 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.

   同义词blurdiffusedimdullfademufflemutesubduetone down

   反义词amplifyhardenintensifysharpen

5. Yield to influenceB2informal

   To give in to pressure, persuasion, or influence.

   态度软化

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

   同义词acquiescebendcapitulategive inmellowmeltrelentthawweakenyield

   反义词defyopposeresistwithstand