Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having a softening or soothing effect, especially on the skin: Describes a substance or quality that makes something, particularly skin, softer, smoother, or less irritated.

2. Noun:

   • A thick liquid or cream applied to the skin to soothe or moisturize it: A toiletry or medicinal substance, such as a lotion or ointment, used to soften and soothe the skin.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The lotion has an emollient effect on dry, cracked skin.
  • She appreciated his emollient words during the difficult negotiation. (Figurative use: soothing in manner)

• Noun:

  • Apply this emollient to the affected area twice a day.
  • The pharmacist recommended a gentle emollient for the baby's eczema.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use (Adjective): Used to describe language, actions, or a manner that is soothing, calming, or intended to pacify a tense situation.
  • The diplomat's emollient tone helped de-escalate the conflict.

Variants and Related Words

• Emollience (noun): The quality of being emollient; a softening or soothing effect.
  • The emollience of the balm provided immediate relief.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Soothing, softening, moisturizing, lenitive, demulcent.
• Noun: Moisturizer, lotion, cream, ointment, balm, salve.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Abrasive, irritating, harsh, drying.
• Noun: Astringent, irritant.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To act as an emollient: To serve a soothing or pacifying role in a situation.
  • Her apology acted as an emollient to his anger.

Adjective

1. having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Noun

1. toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin