soften
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɒfən/
KK: /ˈsɔfən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become less hard or firm, often resulting in a gentler or smoother texture.
Example
The butter will soften if you leave it out of the fridge for a while.
Tense Forms
Past: softened
Past Participle: softened
Conversation
Have you noticed how the bread starts to soften after a few days?
Yeah, it gets so chewy and easier to eat!
I prefer it when it begins to soften a bit.
Same here, fresh bread is the best!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mellow
ease
relax
Antonyms
harden
intensify
toughen
transitive verb
Definition
To make something less hard or firm, or to make it gentler or less severe.
Example
She decided to soften the butter before mixing it into the cake batter.
Tense Forms
Past: softened
Past Participle: softened
Conversation
I think you should soften your tone when talking to him.
You really think so? I was just being honest.
Yeah, honesty is important, but being too harsh can push him away.
Root Explanation
**Soften** → It is formed from "soft" (from Old English *softe*, meaning not hard or firm) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "soften" means to make something soft or less hard.
Memory Tip
Think of making something that is 'not hard' ('soft') become 'softer' by adding the action of 'making' ('-en').
Visually Confused Words
often
resoften
oftens
sten