Soften
/ˈsɒfən/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make something soft or softer.
verbTo undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
Sentence Examples
What can cheer up, soften, color everything - a big love.
You can soften dialysis tubing by soaking it in water.
CEFR Practice Quiz
After working in the garden, she applied a moisturizer to ____ her rough hands.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You can use a conditioning cream to help ____ the leather of your new boots over time.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English softenen, softnen, equivalent to soft + -en.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I have recently reclad the south-west facing side of my single-storey cottage […]. I now want to plant some climbers of more manageable proportions to soften the building."
— 2015 February 7, Helen Yemm, “Thorny problems: How can I soften a brick wall with plants?”, in The Daily Telegraph (London), page G7:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After working in the garden, she applied a moisturizer to ____ her rough hands.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You can use a conditioning cream to help ____ the leather of your new boots over time.