- 1[intransitive, transitive] to become, or to make something softer Fry the onions until they soften. soften something a lotion to soften the skin Linseed oil will soften stiff leather.
- 2[intransitive, transitive] soften (something) to become or to make something less bright, rough, or strong Trees soften the outline of the house.
- 3[intransitive, transitive] to become or to make someone or something more sympathetic and less severe or critical She felt herself softening toward him. His face softened as he looked at his son. soften somebody/something She softened her tone a little.
- 4[transitive] soften something to reduce the force or the unpleasant effects of something synonym cushion Airbags are designed to soften the impact of a car crash. Idioms
soften
verbNAmE//ˈsɔfn//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they soften he / she / it softens
past simple softened
-ing form softening
to make something that is unpleasant seem less unpleasant and easier to accept Phrasal Verbssoften up
Check pronunciation: soften