softening

• 指使某物变软、变柔和，或变得不那么坚硬、严厉、强烈；常用于比喻义，表示强度或尖锐程度的减弱。

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.

   柔肤的

   • 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.

   同义词demulcentemollientlenitivesoothing

• 指使某物的质地、稠度变软或强度减弱的过程或结果。

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

不可数

1. Process of becoming softerB2formal

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

   软化

   • 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.

   同义词mellowingmollificationweakening

   反义词hardeningsolidification

• 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