# soothing

/ˈsuðɪŋ/ (US) · /sˈuːðɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soothing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. calming or relaxing

adjective · CEFR B2

having a gentle effect that makes you feel less stressed or worried.

For teachers: producing a calming or sedative effect on the nerves or emotions.

- The spa played soothing music to help the guests relax during their massage.
- The therapist's soothing tone of voice was instrumental in de-escalating the patient's acute anxiety during the initial consultation.

### 2. relieving pain

adjective · CEFR B2

reducing pain or discomfort, especially on your skin.

For teachers: providing physical relief from pain, irritation, or inflammation.

- She applied a soothing cream to her sunburn to stop the stinging.
- The ointment contains aloe vera and menthol, providing a soothing sensation that immediately reduces the heat of the chemical burn.

### 3. the act of calming

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of making someone feel better or calmer.

For teachers: the action or process of mollifying, comforting, or providing relief to another.

- The gentle soothing of the crying baby took nearly an hour.
- The constant soothing required by the traumatised animals placed a significant emotional burden on the sanctuary staff.

## Examples

- The rain makes a soothing sound against the window.
- After a long day at the office, she finds that listening to classical music has a soothing effect on her nerves.
- The therapist used a soothing tone of voice to help the patient navigate the stressful memory without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.