Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Softened by the addition of cushions or padding: Describes something that has been made softer, more comfortable, or less severe by adding a soft, padded layer.

Usage

• The adjective "cushioned" is used to describe objects or surfaces that have been made softer. It often implies added comfort or protection from impact.
• It is typically used before a noun (attributive position) but can also follow a linking verb (predicative position).

Examples

• Attributive (before noun):
  • The baby crawled on the cushioned floor. (The floor was made soft with padding.)
  • She sat in the cushioned chair for hours. (The chair had soft padding added to it.)
• Predicative (after linking verb):
  • The seat was well cushioned. (The seat had been made soft with padding.)
  • The interior of the car felt luxuriously cushioned. (The car's interior felt soft due to padding.)

Advanced Usage

• "cushioned against": Protected or insulated from something harsh, such as shock, impact, or negative effects.
  • The investments were cushioned against market volatility. (The investments were protected from severe market swings.)
  • Athletic shoes are designed to cushion the feet against impact. (Note: Here, "cushion" is the related verb form.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cushion (noun): A soft bag of material used to sit on or lean against for comfort.
  • She placed a cushion on the hard wooden bench.
• Cushion (verb): To soften the effect of an impact or shock; to protect.
  • The helmet is designed to cushion any blow to the head.
• Cushiony (adjective, informal): Having a soft, yielding quality like a cushion.
  • The new mattress is wonderfully cushiony.

Synonyms

• Padded: Filled or lined with soft material.
• Upholstered: Covered with padding and fabric (typically for furniture).
• Pillowy: Soft and compressible like a pillow.

Antonyms

• Hard: Solid and firm to the touch.
• Unpadded: Lacking any soft lining or filling.

Related Phrases

• Cushioned blow: A setback or shock that has been lessened in its severity.
  • Losing the contract was a cushioned blow because they had other projects lined up.
• Cushioned landing: A soft or controlled landing, often used literally in aviation or gymnastics, or metaphorically.
  • The pilot managed a cushioned landing despite the strong crosswinds.

Adjective

1. softened by the addition of cushions or padding