Word
softness
Phoneticssoft·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɔfnəs/
UK/sˈɒftnəs/
Definition
n. the quality of being gentle, smooth, or easy to touch. It can also describe a quiet or mild way of speaking or acting.
n. the quality of being gentle, smooth, or yielding to pressure. It can also refer to a mild or gentle manner of speaking or behaving.
Examples
“The softness of the blanket made it very comfortable.”
“The softness of the morning light made the garden look like a painting.”
“The diplomat's softness in negotiations allowed for a peaceful resolution that avoided the harsh consequences of a public confrontation.”
Examples
simple
“The softness of the blanket made it very comfortable.”
contextual
“The softness of the morning light made the garden look like a painting.”
complex
“The diplomat's softness in negotiations allowed for a peaceful resolution that avoided the harsh consequences of a public confrontation.”
Etymology
From Middle English softnesse, from Old English sōftnes, alteration of earlier sēftnes. Equivalent to soft + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/softness