Word Noun
softness
n.
B1 Intermediate US /ˈsɔfnəs/ UK /sˈɒftnəs/ soft·ness UK spelling softnesses
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.”
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.
This entry
Origin Old English sōftnes
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated