softening
/'sɔfniɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The process of becoming softer: "Softening" refers to the act or process of making something less hard, firm, or rigid.
- A reduction in severity or intensity: It can also describe the act of making something less harsh, strict, or severe.
Adjective:
- Having a softening or soothing effect: Used to describe something that makes a substance (especially the skin) softer or less harsh.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- Refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit. (The cooling process slowed down the fruit's transition to a softer state.)
- He observed the softening of iron by heat. (He watched the process where heat made the iron less hard.)
Adjective:
- This cream has a softening effect on dry skin. (This cream makes dry skin less rough and more supple.)
- There was a noticeable softening in his tone when he spoke to the child. (His manner of speaking became noticeably less harsh.)
Advanced Usage
- "Softening of the brain" (historical/medical): A dated term for a pathological condition leading to mental degeneration.
- In the 19th century, "softening of the brain" was a feared diagnosis.
- Economic/Political Context: Used to describe a gradual reduction in strictness or strength.
- Analysts noted a softening in the housing market. (Analysts observed a decrease in the strength or pace of the housing market.)
- The policy saw a softening of its initial harsh regulations.
Variants and Related Words
- Soften (verb): To make or become soft or softer.
- Soak the beans to soften them before cooking.
- Softener (noun): A substance used to soften something.
- She added fabric softener to the laundry.
- Soft (adjective): The base adjective meaning not hard or rough.
Synonyms
- Noun (Process): Tenderization, mollification, mellowing.
- Adjective (Effect): Emollient, soothing, lenitive.
Related Phrases
- Softening up (phrasal verb context): To make someone more receptive or less resistant, often through persuasion or preliminary action.
- The advertising campaign was designed to soften up consumers before the product launch.
- Market softening: A specific term in economics for a decline in market activity or prices.
Related Idioms
- A softening of the heart: To become more sympathetic, compassionate, or less strict.
- Seeing the puppies led to a softening of her heart, and she agreed to adopt one.
Adjective
- having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
Noun
- the process of becoming softer
- refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit
- he observed the softening of iron by heat