Word
softening
Phoneticssoft·en·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɔfənɪŋ/
UK/sˈɒfənɪŋ/
Definitions
01becoming physically soft
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of something hard becoming soft or easier to press.
n. the physical process by which a substance loses its rigidity or hardness.
Español:ablandamiento
“The softening of the butter made it much easier to spread on the bread.”
“The gradual softening of the clay allowed the sculptor to refine the delicate facial features of the statue before the final firing.”
Antonyms
02becoming less strict or severe
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. when a person or a rule becomes less strict or more kind.
n. a reduction in the severity, intensity, or strictness of an attitude, policy, or emotional state.
“We noticed a softening in his tone after we explained our situation.”
“Economists observed a softening of the central bank's stance on interest rates following the latest inflation report.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Experts said the softening labour market was another reason the Bank of England was likely to hold interest rates.” “But as the arguments played out, I saw her position softening in real time.” Etymology
From Middle English softenynge, softynand, equivalent to soften + -ing.
From Middle English softenyng, softenynge, equivalent to soften + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/softening
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0