softenv.

Brit.

/ˈsɒf(ə)n/, U.S.

/ˈsɔfən/,

/ˈsɑfən/

Forms: Middle English softene, Middle English softne, Middle English softyn, Middle English–1700s softn- (inflected form and in derivatives), Middle English– soften; also Scottish pre-1700 softine, 1800s safteen, 1800s– saften, 1900s saffen.

Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: soft adj., -en suffix⁵.

Etymology: < soft adj. + -en suffix⁵. Compare earlier soft v.

a. transitive. To reduce the strength of feeling of (a person); to appease.In later use passing into sense 11.

ΘΚΠ

society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > appease or propitiate

soft?c1225

queema1325

appeasec1374

pleasea1382

softena1382

mollifya1450

pacifya1500

apeace1523

temper1525

mitigatea1535

qualify?c1550

thaw1582

propitiate1583

aslake1590

smooth1608

to lay down1629

addulce1655

sweeten1657

acquiesce1659

gentle1663

palliate1678

placate1678

conciliate1782

to pour oil on the waters (also on troubled waters)1847

square1859

square1945

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 370) (1850) 2 Chron. x. 7 Ȝif thou plese to this puple, and soften [Bodl. 959 softne; L. leniveris] hem with mercyable wordis, thei schulen seruen to thee al tyme.

1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 808 The onely looke of Xenocrates would soften and qualifie him, and make him to reuerence him.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. iv. 69 All hope is gone, Vnlesse you haue the grace, by your faire praier To soften Angelo.

1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 188 To soften them a little, and, in some Measure, to please them.

1782 F. Burney Cecilia III. vi. i. 224 The truth of this speech palliating it's sententious absurdity, made Cecilia give up her faint attempt to soften him.

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 637 That good prelate used all his influence to soften the gaolers.

1936 P. G. Wodehouse Laughing Gas x. 103 I thought it might soften her a little if you gave the old boy a build-up.

2001 M. Goulston & P. Goldberg 6 Secrets Lasting Relationship (2002) vii. 261 The fact that his wife actually knew how he felt softened him.

b. transitive. To make (a feeling, opinion, etc.) less harsh, severe, or intense.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > meekness or mildness > make meek or mild [verb (transitive)]

softenc1410

demulce1531

demure1651

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > treat gently [verb (transitive)] > make gentle or mild

soft?c1225

mild1340

melta1382

softenc1410

mollifya1450

amollish1474

amolify1483

ameeka1500

mellow1593

dulcify1647

c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 153 If oþere wolde have made suche froward þinges aȝenst me ȝe auȝt for to soften [L. lenire] þe opiniouns of fonde men wiþ better interpretacioun.

c1429 Mirour Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 3940 Bot Marie softnys [L. placat] his ire, als oure best mediatrice.

?1560 T. Norton Orations of Arsanes sig. K.iiij^v By these and such like fetches at length he somewhat softened hys inuincible zele.

a1628 J. Preston Three Godly & Learned Treat. (1632) 73 Their expostulation with him weakned the sinewes of his intention, and softned his purpose.

1696 J. Mitchel tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Sweden 35 'Twas hop'd that the Son's Advancement wou'd soften the Father's Anger.

1715 J. Ozell tr. A. de la Fosse d'Aubigny Manlius Capitolinus ii. i. 18 H' has us'd unprofitable Pains Till now to soften his obdurate Temper.

1780 Mirror No. 101 Nor was his resentment softened even by her husband's leaving the army.

1830 Encycl. Americana II. 147/1 A dying Carthusian had persuaded him to renounce all the pleasures of the world: Petrarch softened his determination.

1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire vi. 105 It still appeared possible to soften, if not to overcome, their antagonism.

1919 D. C. Goodman Taker xxx. 259 However he tried to soften her anger she would not listen.

1978 R. J. Berleth Twilight Lords 187 Eventually privation and defeat modified his zeal, softened his determination.

2002 Observer 6 Jan. i. 24/4 Increasing familiarity with the currency will soften British hostility.

a. transitive. To make less pronounced or prominent; to make less forceful or vehement, or less likely to offend; to minimize the unpleasantness of. Also with into, to.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > tone down

temperc1000

modifyc1385

softenc1410

tame?a1500

qualify1536

temperatea1540

extenuate1561

supple1609

dilute1665

palliate1665

weaken1683

subdue1723

lower1780

modulate1783

to shade away1817

to water down1832

to water down1836

sober1838

veil1843

to tone down1847

to break down1859

soothe1860

tone1884

to key down1891

soft-pedal1912

c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 183 Þey answerde þis vers of metre.., so by þe auctorite of þe þing softnynge [L. lenientes] þe liȝtnesse of þe answere.

1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 248^v Paul by the diuerse maner of speaking didde soften [L. lenire] the rowghnesse of the first part of the sentence.

1626 B. Holyday 3 Serm. 3 Yet shall execrable violation bee softned into an ignorance?

1671 A. Marvell Let. 23 Mar. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 137 The clause that makes them riots is thrown out & seuerall other clauses softned.

1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 399. ¶5 They..do not see our Faults,..or soften them by their Representations.

1714 A. Pope Corr. 10 Oct. (1956) I. 264 I know you will think fit to soften your expression, when you see the passage.

1753 W. Hogarth Anal. Beauty vi. 29 Horror is softened into reverence.

1785 W. Cowper Task i. 365 'Tis the primal curse, But soften'd into mercy.

1812 G. Crabbe Tales xvii. 314 I in vain had tried To soften crime, that cannot be denied.

1842 R. H. Barham Lay St. Cuthbert in Ingoldsby Legends 2nd Ser. 220 And he utters—a word which we'll soften to ‘Zooks!’

1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. 463 The scarcely ambiguous answer was something softened the following day.

1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xx. 346 Others proposed to send a deputation to soften the harshness of his removal.

1906 F. Vizetelly Desk-bk. Errors in Eng. 197 Terms used chiefly to soften requests, orders or directions.

1949 Social Forces 27 245/2 Help may be accepted from the community, but..with every effort to soften the humiliation.

2009 Guardian Unlimited (Nexis) 31 Oct. ‘Shut your gash’ in this week's episode had eventually been softened to ‘Shut your cave’.

b. transitive. With down (less commonly away, off).

ΚΠ

1729 Hist. Reg. No. 56. 285 The only Paragraph..that made any Allowance of Right to us,..soften'd down to something imaginary only.

1777 F. Burney Let. 7 Apr. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1990) II. 243 In the most Capital scene..I endeavoured what I could to soften off the affectation of her sudden change of Disposition.

1786 A. Murphy Way to keep Him (rev. ed.) ii. in Wks. III. 83 She is unfortunately yoked with a husband, whose humour will never be softened down to the least compliance with her inclinations.

a1807 W. Wordsworth Prelude (1959) xiii. 494 Thou didst soften down This over-sternness.

1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. xi. iv. 279 Throughout my narrative, I softened down the passages likely to give umbrage to my patron.

1814 F. Burney Wanderer III. liv. 290 The awkward feeling of uncertain opinion, softened off, nevertheless, by the remembrance of strong personal obligation.

a1865 E. C. Gaskell Wives & Daughters (1866) I. iv. 41 Mrs. Hamley tried sometimes to..soften away opinions which she fancied were offensive to the doctor.

1869 H. F. Tozer Res. Highlands of Turkey II. 264 Inconsistencies..are modified and softened down.

1874 Fort Wayne (Indiana) Daily Sentinel 16 Feb. The attempt has been made a thousand times to soften down the theology of the Bible, so as to render it palatable to the unreverend heart.

1904 J. G. Frazer Let. 4 July in Sel. Lett. (2005) 242 The kind words of your letter will..soften away any little asperities which may have escaped you.

1957 S. Campbell & C. Shaweewongse Fund. Thai Lang. 157 The use of KOR alone is considered a little abrupt, and in conversation the request is usually softened down by adding one or more of the words above at the end of the sentence.

2013 K. West R.I.P. Off! iv. 36 They even demanded that he should ask the vicar to soften down the religious content.

a. transitive. To make less painful or easier to bear; to mitigate, assuage. Also intransitive in early use. Cf. to soften the blow at blow n.¹ Additions.In later use also occasionally with off (e.g. quot. 1790).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > make something less violent or severe

soften?c1415

smooth1837

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate

lithec897

lighteOE

lissea1000

stillc1000

alightOE

alithe?a1200

softc1225

swagec1330

abate?c1335

easea1374

accoya1375

allegea1375

stintc1374

slakea1387

assuage1393

planea1400

slecka1400

plasterc1400

soften?c1415

lighten?a1425

mitigate?a1425

relievec1425

asoftc1430

alleviate?a1475

allevya1500

sletcha1500

alleve1544

allevate1570

salve?1577

sweetena1586

smooth1589

disembitter1622

deleniate1623

slaken1629

tranquillitate1657

soothe1711

?c1415 T. Hoccleve Balade Henry V for Money l. 11 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 62 Let your hy worthynesse Oure indigences softne, & abate!

a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 1925 It softnede heere and prikkith there.

c1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Fairf. 16) (1879) Prol. l. 50 That blisful sight softneth al my sorwe.

c1480 (a1400) St. Agatha 149 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 362 Godis angele..vith dew of hewine ma softine sa, þat þi fyre sal me do na wa.

1527 L. Andrewe tr. H. Brunschwig Vertuose Boke Distyllacyon ii. lviii. sig. D.iv/2 An ounce in a daye softeneth the payne in the hede.

1597 W. Burton tr. Achilles Tatius Most Delectable & Pleasaunt Hist. Clitiphon & Leucippe v. 87 Time is y^e medicine for sorrow, which doth soften the woundes of the minde.

1653 D. Dickson Brief Explic. Other 50 Psalmes 333 The knowledge of Gods eternal goodwill to us, is a sufficient cordiall to soften and sweeten all our grief.

1713 A. Pope Ode Musick 7 Musick can soften Pain to Ease.

1790 F. Burney Diary Jan. (1842) V. 86 To soften off, by the air, a violent headache, I determined upon walking to Chelsea.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward I. x. 268 All who had contributed to soften the term of his exile.

1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xlix After the lapse of a few days had softened the bitter grief.

1910 G. Meredith Celt & Saxon xix. 250 Perhaps Mrs. Adister should have a hint of it, to soften the shock.

1963 R. Stow Tourmaline xiii. 182 All other griefs can be softened by sympathy.

2006 D. J. Clayton & L. Vanderkam Healthy Guide to Unhealthy Living vi. 144 Knowing that many people have the same disease softens the emotional impact of the diagnosis.

†b. transitive. To relieve from pain. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > anaesthetization, pain-killing, etc. > practise anaesthetization, pain-killing, etc. [verb (transitive)] > allay pain > relieve (person) from pain

softenc1440

c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 2691 (MED) Sir Priamus..Sais þat he has saluez sall soften vs bothen.

a. transitive. To make physically soft or softer; to lessen the hardness, stiffness, or roughness of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > soften [verb (transitive)]

neshOE

supplea1398

mollify?a1425

softa1425

soften?a1425

unharden1552

intenerate1595

malax1634

tender1725

untemper1758

leath1796

?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 179^v, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Softenen A mollificatiue medicine..softeniþ þat is knottye.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/2 It is harde yet, but I shall soften it well ynoughe.

1596 P. Lowe Easie Method to cure Spanish Sicknes i. xiv. sig. C4^v In the which [baths] you may put 2. or 3. gallons of Milke, the which is good to..soften the skin.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. ii. 78 Orpheus Lute,..Whose golden touch could soften steele and stones.

1656 R. Verney Let. Dec. in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1904) II. xxxvii. 51 I see the same sunn that softens Wax, hardens clay.

1750 tr. C. Leonardus Mirror of Stones 227 Sometimes deceivers will soften the amber and put into it some extraneous matter.

1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) I. 53 With Fire he..hardens clay, softens iron.

1853 A. Soyer Pantropheon 288 They were first softened in milk and honey.

1896 U.S. Patent 562,656 2/2 Softening the edges of the small, hard plastic sheets and thus rendering them pliable.

1977 Times 25 Nov. (Christmas Bk. Suppl.) p. xxx/4 Experimenting with rose petal oils to soften the skin.

2011 M. Lahlou Mourad 290/2 Cook gently, stirring often, for about 12 minutes, to soften the onions.

b. intransitive in the same sense, typically with a medicine or other preparation as subject.

ΚΠ

?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 457 Nabatynes powdre..mollifieth, i. softeneth [L. mollificat], and clenseth wiþoute peyne.

?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 619 (MED) Branka vrsina is an herbe, hote and moyste in þe firste degree; It matureþ and softeneth [L. lenit].

1526 Grete Herball ccccxlii. sig. Z.iv^v/1 It softeneth and causeth defeccyon, and laxatyfe.

1610 G. Markham Maister-peece ii. clxxiii. 484 Armoniacke drieth, cooleth, softneth, and draweth.

1681 E. R. Experienced Farrier (ed. 2) i. 180 It softeneth and draweth away Moisture, and is good for all manner of hard Swellings.

1739 Hist. Wks. Learned Sept. 178 The same Heat will at the same Instant of Time soften and harden, melt and condense.

1869 W. W. Hall Guide-board to Health, Peace & Competence 316 Wine to sustain, and oil to soften, and moisten, and lubricate, and cool.

1958 Life 19 May 49/2 (advt.) A new kind of hairdressing to silken and soften,..coax and condition!

2004 D. L. Jewell Going Gray, looking Great! vi. 87 Phytargent Whitening Shampoo Restores silver highlights; softens and hydrates to eliminate coarseness.

c. transitive. To make (water) soft by removing calcium and magnesium salts. Cf. soft adj. 25.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > freedom from impurities > removal of impurities > desalination or softening of water > desalinate or soften water [verb (transitive)]

soften1727

dezymotize1884

desalt1909

desalinize1928

desalinate1949

1727 R. Bradley Country Housewife 46 If Water happens to be of a hard nature, if may be softened by setting it exposed to the Air and Sun, and putting into it some Pieces of soft Chalk to infuse.

a1756 E. Haywood New Present (1771) 267 Hard water may be softened by laying chalk in the bottoms of the wells or ponds.

1867 C. L. Bloxam Chemistry 43 Clark's process for softening waters.

1872 R. S. Burn Sanitary Sci. v. 113 Boiling softens water to a considerable extent, but neither so quickly and so thoroughly as Dr Clarke's process.

1937 Life 12 Apr. 18/4 (advt.) Provisions can also be made to remove dirt, iron, bad taste and odor, as well as softening all the water that you use.

2013 Clean Slate Autumn 8/1 To soften water, you can use a pre-faucet conditioning appliance.

5. intransitive. To become physically soft or softer; to become less hard, stiff, or rough. Also with into.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > become soft [verb (intransitive)]

nesheOE

soften?c1425

mollify1528

to give again1617

mauma1642

society > occupation and work > materials > types of material generally > [verb (intransitive)] > become soft or hard

hardenc1350

soften?c1425

?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 327 (MED) Rasis forsoþe prayseþ a white oyneoun soden and stampede wiþ boter made of kowe mylke, þat it may softne [L. mollefiat].

1579 H. Heron Kayes of Counsaile ix. 140 The naturall sappe..of the tree breaketh out..from blossoms, by little and little into a more harder substance..vntill at last it softneth agayne.

1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §840 Many of those Bodies, that will not Melt,..will notwithstanding Soften.

1637 T. Drant Royall Guest 18 Straight this flint softens into flesh.

1730 J. Thomson Autumn in Seasons 132 The statue seem'd to breathe, And soften into flesh, beneath the touch Of forming art.

1838 T. Thomson Chem. Org. Bodies 182 When heated it softens at 302°.

1882 H. Watts Dict. Chem. III. 271 Copying-inks.—Inks for this purpose must be rather thick, not dry too quickly, and soften when moistened again, without becoming too fluid.

1949 H. Bailey Demonstr. Physical Signs Clin. Surg. (ed. 11) xxiii. 295 If the hand is kept flat upon the abdomen the underlying coil may be felt to harden and soften alternately.

1978 D. A. Watson Constr. Materials & Processes (ed. 2) vi. 173/1 As the material is forced toward an injection nozzle, the powder softens into a viscous substance.

2013 Courier Mail (Brisbane) (Nexis) 9 Dec. 40 Place 1/2 of remaining ice-cream in a large bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes to soften.

a. transitive. To make (a person) more sympathetic, gentle, lenient, or emotional.Frequently with heart as object, sometimes in figurative contexts of sense 4a (e.g. quot. 1594).

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > capacity for emotion > sensitiveness or tenderness > make (more) sensitive or tender [verb (transitive)]

opena1350

softenc1429

thaw1582

entender1591

undull1654

unsteel1748

to open up1963

c1429 Mirour Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 5320 (margin) (MED) The Auctor toke more hede to fede þe sowles hert þan to soften þe bodely ere.

R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 102 Þe saule softynand [L. demulcente] þer þou..þi tempyll has ordand.

1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke xi. f. cix^v This nacion can by no miracles, ne by no benefites bee brought to soften [L. emolliri] their hertes to repentaunce.

1559 Certayne Serm. (new ed.) sig. A.iv An obstinate synner, shall there fynde..tormentes..to molyfye or soften hym.

1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. E3 All which together..Beat at thy rockie..heart, To soften it.

1657 A. Farindon XXX. Serm. ii. 218 We cannot find one [circumstance], which was not as a Hammer to..soften his stony heart.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 110 I behold them soft'nd and with tears Bewailing thir excess.

1761 C. Lennox Lady's Museum No. 11. 802 To soften his mind, and make him feel his loss more sensibly.

1798 Monthly Mag. Mar. 171/2 Afflictions soften the proud.

1827 W. Scott Jrnl. 7 Nov. (1941) 129 I..fairly softened myself like an old fool, with recalling old stories till I was fit for nothing but shedding tears.

1874 J. B. Mozley Univ. Serm. (1877) ix. 195 Misfortune, adversity, soften the human heart.

1901 F. Norris Octopus ix. 629 Adversity had softened her, as well as deepened her.

1941 Ld. Alanbrooke Diary 8 Feb. in War Diaries (2001) 139 I was given excellent caviar to soften my heart.

2002 Mojo Feb. 103/5 His smeared strumming and unpretentious simplicity could soften even the most hardened heart.

b. transitive. To make less able to endure hardship or pain, or cope with difficulty; (depreciative) to make (more) self-indulgent, effeminate, or unmanly. Also with into.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > weaken (something immaterial)

to thin off, downc900

feeblea1340

allayc1450

debilite1483

mollify1496

weak1502

geld?1507

water1529

appale?1530

labefact?1539

debilitate1541

mortify1553

effeeble1571

dilutea1575

soften1576

unsinew1599

melt1600

infringe1604

weaken1609

unbenda1616

dissinew1640

slacken1663

thin1670

resolve1715

imbecilitate1809

imbecile1829

to let down1832

to water down1832

1576 A. Golding tr. Warfare of Christians 66 The sweetnesse of the sounde may lozen and soften the corage of the Christian.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. G4 Howe.., before Poets did soften vs, we were full of courage, giuen to martiall exercises.

?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xii. 64 The Sirens will so soften with their song..His loose affections.

1637 T. Nabbes Hannibal & Scipio i. iv. sig. C^v Love and a Lady are for such as ease Hath softned into women.

1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon i. iii. 104 A negligent and voluptuous Prince, whose nature being softned, and unnerv'd by ease [etc.].

1717 tr. P.-D. Huet Hist. Commerce & Navigation Ancients xlviii. 175 Its People, softened by their Pleasures and Abundance, were fallen into that Effeminacy.

1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera ii. xii. 34 Would you the Frowns of a Lady prevent, She too has this palpable Failing, The Perquisite softens her into Consent.

1780 Mirror No. 94 Softening too much the mind of a young girl, who has to struggle with the difficulties of life.

1893 J. Clifford Christian Certainties ix. 280 Reluctant to open the doors to the genial warmth lest it should relax nerve, soften hardy strength.

1927 Boys' Life Oct. 59/1 (advt.) The right food can toughen an athlete—the wrong food can soften him.

1997 T. Mackintosh-Smith Yemen (1999) iii. 65 People whose parents' generation had thought nothing of going on a three-day march to buy a pound of sugar but who..had been softened into total reliance on mechanical transport. Pansies. Namby-pambies.

c. transitive. To make more delicate, refined, or appealing. Also with into.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [verb (transitive)] > purify or refine

slick1340

filec1400

polishc1400

burnish1526

polite1535

extirpate1548

purify1548

soften1579

purgea1582

refine1592

mellow1593

civilize1596

rarefy1600

incivilize1603

sublimate1624

alembicate1627

chastise1627

sublime1631

calcine1635

gentilize1635

ennoble1636

subtilize1638

deconcoct1655

sublimizea1729

smooth1762

absterge1817

decrassify1855

sandpaper1890

1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 770 The rudenesse and austere nature of men with whom he had to doe, whose maners afterwardes he softned [Fr. addoulcit] and made ciuill.

1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. ix. 312 Will this not perswade the world..that by it [sc. the faith of Christians] the most inhumane and barbarous Nations are softned into more then civility?

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 10. ⁋2 Every Temper..is to be animated and softned by the Influence of Beauty.

1782 W. Cowper Poems 185 This genial intercourse..softens human rockwork into men.

1831 J. Sinclair Corr. II. 370 Attention to music..softens the temper.

1868 W. Morris Earthly Paradise i. 112 Though some divine thought softened all her face.

1914 Indian's Friend Apr. 10/22 The Indians are taught whatever form of music in which it seems they may excel..in order that it may soften their characters.

1987 N. Armstrong Desire & Domest. Fiction v. 221 Caroline may in turn soften him into an amiable mate.

2012 H. P. Mallory Witch is Back iv. 52 A huge smile softened his face.

7. intransitive. To become less harsh, severe, or intense in feeling, appearance, or sensation; to become more sympathetic or gentle; to become fainter or less pronounced. Also with into.

a. Without adverb.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)]

allayc1275

softc1300

assuage1330

swagec1330

slakea1352

stanchc1420

overslakec1425

appeasec1440

to swage ofc1440

to sit downa1555

soften1565

slack1580

mitigate1633

moderate1737

gentle1912

society > trade and finance > trading conditions > [verb (intransitive)] > be in or reach specific state (of market)

soften1565

bottom1846

steady1913

to bottom out1938

society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (intransitive)] > specific operations

soften1565

to get out1728

bear1837

to rig the (stock) market1841

stag1845

cornera1860

to straddle the market1870

raid1889

to make a market1899

to job backwards1907

to mark to (the) market1925

short1959

daisy-chain1979

to pitch for ——1983

the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > capacity for emotion > sensitiveness or tenderness > become (more) sensitive or tender [verb (intransitive)]

tender1390

soften1565

thaw1598

open1713

to open up1968

1565 J. Hall Courte of Vertue f. 36 To make harde hartes that feare not god,To soften and relente.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) ii. ii. 43 We do not know How he may soften at the sight o' th' Childe.

1654 R. Codrington tr. Queen Margaret of Valois Heptameron 470 His heart began to soften into compassion.

1730 J. Thomson Hymn on Seasons in Seasons 232 Shade, unperceiv'd so, softening into shade.

1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. liv. 234 By what gentle degrees, the furious, persecuting zeal of Mr. Horne has softened into moderation.

1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. i. 21 The terrors of La Motte began to subside, and the griefs of Adeline to soften.

1820 L. Hunt Indicator 5 Apr. 203 The pain that is in it softens into pleasure.

1838 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Clouds 31 The scholar..gradually softens at this submission, and becomes sociable and communicative.

1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia VI. xxi. viii. 654 His eyes..softened finely in hearing, or telling, some trait of nobleness.

1916 Locomotive Engineers Jrnl. Dec. 1023/1 His voice softened into tenderness.

1978 Mich. Alumnus May 13/2 Keewaydinoquay's anger softens and her gaze turns dreamy.

2005 G. Jenkins Code Green xiv. 154 His face softened into a smile.

b. With away, down, off.

ΚΠ

1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure II. 129 Anger and indignation.., that soften'd away into other sentiments.

1792 W. Gilpin Three Ess. ii. 55 Beautiful lights, softening off along the sides of hills.

1833 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Loire 122 The rocks soften down on the right, and the village of Bouchemain appears.

1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge lxiii. 304 A furious crowd, which..softened off in a confused heap of faces.

1879 R. Browning Halbert & Hob 6 Most wildness by degrees Softens away!

1937 South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) 26 Apr. 1/3 It softens away on the words ‘Crown the King with peace’.

1992 Advertiser (Austral.) (Nexis) 1 July The oak flavor begins to soften off and smooth out.

a. transitive. Phonetics. To make (a consonant) soft (soft adj. 24).

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > make quieter [verb (transitive)]

soften1654

soft-pedal1898

the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > pleasantness of sound > make pleasant sound [verb (transitive)] > make gentle or not harsh

soften1654

1654 J. Wharton Eng.-Gram. ii. 18 The second use of e final.., is to change the sound of these two letters, c, g, First it softneth the sound of c, as in ace, place.

1669 W. Holder Elem. Speech 78 To soften the Occluse Gingival Consonants, by a kind of..addition of a Spirital..to a Vocal producing the Vowel.

1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ II. at D This letter..is a t hardned, as t is a d softned.

1853 H. Clarke Gram. Eng. Tongue 39 E at the end of a word softens the consonant, as in force, rage, since, bathe.

1890 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 26 17 In our modern word ditch the final letter has been softened or weakened.

1930 Amer. Speech 30 207 The sk sound in such words as muskrat, muskmelon and tusk is usually softened to sh.

1992 Eng. Today Oct. 27/2 Softening the last consonant ‘k’ by changing it into interdental ‘dh’.

b. transitive. To make (a sound, music, a voice, etc.) quieter or more mellow in tone.

ΚΠ

1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. i. 28 He spoke to her in accents somewhat softened from their usual harshness.

1824 Ld. Byron Deformed Transformed i. ii How the soldier's rough strain seems Soften'd by distance to a hymn-like cadence!

1881 Temple Bar Nov. 322 He softened his voice, and took her hand.

1955 B. Pym Less than Angels xvi. 183 Somewhere a band was playing, its brassiness softened by distance into a pleasant background noise.

2005 Rhythm Feb. 96/2 The sonic effect of the wood is to soften the tone of the metal a bit.

9. transitive. To make visually softer; to make less sharp, rugged, bright, or defined; to blur. Also with into.

a. Without adverb.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > make invisible [verb (transitive)] > make indistinct

overcloudc1550

fog?1592

blura1616

soften1672

obumbilatea1711

slur1782

haze1801

veil1843

fuzz1907

defocus1955

1672 W. Salmon Polygraphice ii. x. 184 Lay faint greenish shadows..where it is necessary to soften harsher shadows.

1741 R. Savage in Gentleman's Mag. June 324/2 Above your lucid shoulders locks display'd, Prone to descend, shall soften light with shade.

1791 W. Gilpin Remarks Forest Scenery II. v. 96 A degree of distance also is requisite, both to lessen the object; and to soften the features of it.

1810 G. Crabbe Borough ii. 18 For Time has soften'd what was harsh when new, And now the Stains are all of sober hue.

1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 725 These shades, duly softened into each other, will give the idea of a round body.

1835 W. Irving Tour on Prairies 159 There was a smoky haze in the atmosphere.., softening the features of the landscape.

1884 Manch. Examiner 1 Sept. 5/4 An awning..softened the light and hid the bare rafters.

1905 Primary Educ. Apr. 167/2 The blackness of the buds is softened into rich brown.

1931 Movie Makers Feb. 83/1 Faint mist hangs over the scene, softening every outline.

2008 J. Howe Forging Dragons 86/2 Coloured pencils come in handy to soften the hard edges.

b. With away, down, off.

ΚΠ

1692 M. Smith Art of Painting xxix. 81 Lastly, where it may require it, Soften of all the Edges.

1735 J. Barrow Dict. Polygraphicum II. at Miniature Touches of a paler colour.., which must be softened away into the rest.

1770 T. Whately Observ. Mod. Gardening 244 The light is gently softened off by the rotundity of the columns.

1804 J. Parkinson Org. Remains Former World I. xxxvi. 348 Its lines are softened down, by its assuming this resinous-like appearance.

1873 Spectator 22 Feb. 239/2 A bistre shade around his black eyes which softens away their beadiness.

1930 Fortn. Rev. Aug. 206 Some..veil of mist..softens away some blemish.

1950 Y. Lane Stage Make-up xv. 93 All the shadows should be softened off by mixing a little No. 9 in on the edges of the blue so that harsh black and white effects are avoided in the completed picture.

1997 Daily Record (Glasgow) (Nexis) 17 May 13 We softened down the eyes using muted colours.

10. intransitive. Business and Finance. To become depressed in value; to fall in price or rate. Also with down.

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > monetary value > [verb (intransitive)] > fall in value

fall?1532

depreciatea1790

soften1838

1838 Standard 9 June Prices of middling to ordinary American have gradually softened.

1893 Pharmaceut. Rec. 12 Jan. 34/1 Subsequently the market softened somewhat.

1921 Packages Mar. 36/1 Prices..have softened down until everybody is wondering when trade can be stirred up.

1982 Daily Tel. 6 July 15 American rates might soften following the publication of reassuring money supply figures.

2013 Metal Bull. Weekly (Nexis) 17 June Prices could soften down to $100 per tonne.

11.

a. transitive. colloquial (originally U.S.). With up. To make more amenable or cooperative; to undermine the resistance of.In examples where physical force is used, partly an extended use of sense 11b.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > be irresolute about [verb (transitive)] > cause to waver

waverc1425

flitc1480

shakec1480

staggera1625

soften1918

1918 Jrnl. Electr. Workers & Operators 18 21/1 Manager Graham..is a hard guy towards unions... But..with the Government saying men have a right to join a union without being fired we may be able to soften him up a little.

1922 Amer. Stationer & Office Outfitter 29 July 12/2 How can I soften him up? How can I impress him? How can I get him to do what I want him to do?

1951 Here & Now (N.Z.) May 8/2 These fellowships are part of the general system of ‘softening up’ overseas journalists and persuading them to see the advantages of the American way of life.

1996 H. Fielding Bridget Jones's Diary (1997) 185 Like a foot I went for a drink with him to the American Bar at the Savoy, let him soften me up with champagne.

2014 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 23 Apr. (Late ed.) a22 Contract employees encouraged guards to soften up prisoners for interrogation.

b. transitive. Military. To reduce the strength of (a defensive position, enemy force, etc.) by bombing or other preliminary attack. Also in extended use in sporting contexts. Usually with up.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > other operations

soften1940

to scorch the earth1941

1940 W. L. Shirer Diary 24 May in Berlin Diary (1941) 378 Stuka dive-bombers are softening the Allied defence positions, making them ripe for an easy attack.

1942 Sun (Baltimore) 3 Feb. 1/5 Japanese air raiders engaged in a grand-scale effort to soften up the stronghold for a final invasion thrust.

1949 Flying Apr. 66/3 Can we only soften him gradually, so that when the airborne troops touch down for the main attack, he will give up more quickly?

1949 F. Maclean Eastern Approaches iii. xv. 490 United States Army Air Force Mustangs had ‘softened up’ the target.

1950 J. Dempsey Championship Fighting 89 They will enable you to knock out or at least ‘soften up’ an opponent.

1988 P. Fussell Thank God for Atom Bomb 18 The battleships Iowa..and King George V were steaming up and down the coast, softening it up with their sixteen-inch shells.

1991 St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 31 Jan. 1 a The attack began after 15 minutes of heavy Marine artillery fire designed to soften up the Iraqi defenses.

2003 Associated Press State & Local Wire (Nexis) 8 Sept. They wanted to soften up their defense to run the ball.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	soften
释义	softenv. Brit. /ˈsɒf(ə)n/, U.S. /ˈsɔfən/, /ˈsɑfən/ Forms: Middle English softene, Middle English softne, Middle English softyn, Middle English–1700s softn- (inflected form and in derivatives), Middle English– soften; also Scottish pre-1700 softine, 1800s safteen, 1800s– saften, 1900s saffen. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: soft adj., -en suffix⁵. Etymology: < soft adj. + -en suffix⁵. Compare earlier soft v. 1. a. transitive. To reduce the strength of feeling of (a person); to appease.In later use passing into sense 11. ΘΚΠ society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > appease or propitiate soft?c1225 queema1325 appeasec1374 pleasea1382 softena1382 mollifya1450 pacifya1500 apeace1523 temper1525 mitigatea1535 qualify?c1550 thaw1582 propitiate1583 aslake1590 smooth1608 to lay down1629 addulce1655 sweeten1657 acquiesce1659 gentle1663 palliate1678 placate1678 conciliate1782 to pour oil on the waters (also on troubled waters)1847 square1859 square1945 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 370) (1850) 2 Chron. x. 7 Ȝif thou plese to this puple, and soften [Bodl. 959 softne; L. leniveris] hem with mercyable wordis, thei schulen seruen to thee al tyme. 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 808 The onely looke of Xenocrates would soften and qualifie him, and make him to reuerence him. a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. iv. 69 All hope is gone, Vnlesse you haue the grace, by your faire praier To soften Angelo. View more context for this quotation 1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 188 To soften them a little, and, in some Measure, to please them. 1782 F. Burney Cecilia III. vi. i. 224 The truth of this speech palliating it's sententious absurdity, made Cecilia give up her faint attempt to soften him. 1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 637 That good prelate used all his influence to soften the gaolers. 1936 P. G. Wodehouse Laughing Gas x. 103 I thought it might soften her a little if you gave the old boy a build-up. 2001 M. Goulston & P. Goldberg 6 Secrets Lasting Relationship (2002) vii. 261 The fact that his wife actually knew how he felt softened him. b. transitive. To make (a feeling, opinion, etc.) less harsh, severe, or intense. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > meekness or mildness > make meek or mild [verb (transitive)] softenc1410 demulce1531 demure1651 the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > treat gently [verb (transitive)] > make gentle or mild soft?c1225 mild1340 melta1382 softenc1410 mollifya1450 amollish1474 amolify1483 ameeka1500 mellow1593 dulcify1647 c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 153 If oþere wolde have made suche froward þinges aȝenst me ȝe auȝt for to soften [L. lenire] þe opiniouns of fonde men wiþ better interpretacioun. c1429 Mirour Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 3940 Bot Marie softnys [L. placat] his ire, als oure best mediatrice. ?1560 T. Norton Orations of Arsanes sig. K.iiij^v By these and such like fetches at length he somewhat softened hys inuincible zele. a1628 J. Preston Three Godly & Learned Treat. (1632) 73 Their expostulation with him weakned the sinewes of his intention, and softned his purpose. 1696 J. Mitchel tr. R. A. de Vertot Hist. Revol. Sweden 35 'Twas hop'd that the Son's Advancement wou'd soften the Father's Anger. 1715 J. Ozell tr. A. de la Fosse d'Aubigny Manlius Capitolinus ii. i. 18 H' has us'd unprofitable Pains Till now to soften his obdurate Temper. 1780 Mirror No. 101 Nor was his resentment softened even by her husband's leaving the army. 1830 Encycl. Americana II. 147/1 A dying Carthusian had persuaded him to renounce all the pleasures of the world: Petrarch softened his determination. 1864 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire vi. 105 It still appeared possible to soften, if not to overcome, their antagonism. 1919 D. C. Goodman Taker xxx. 259 However he tried to soften her anger she would not listen. 1978 R. J. Berleth Twilight Lords 187 Eventually privation and defeat modified his zeal, softened his determination. 2002 Observer 6 Jan. i. 24/4 Increasing familiarity with the currency will soften British hostility. 2. a. transitive. To make less pronounced or prominent; to make less forceful or vehement, or less likely to offend; to minimize the unpleasantness of. Also with into, to. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > tone down temperc1000 modifyc1385 softenc1410 tame?a1500 qualify1536 temperatea1540 extenuate1561 supple1609 dilute1665 palliate1665 weaken1683 subdue1723 lower1780 modulate1783 to shade away1817 to water down1832 to water down1836 sober1838 veil1843 to tone down1847 to break down1859 soothe1860 tone1884 to key down1891 soft-pedal1912 c1410 tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1879) VII. 183 Þey answerde þis vers of metre.., so by þe auctorite of þe þing softnynge [L. lenientes] þe liȝtnesse of þe answere. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 248^v Paul by the diuerse maner of speaking didde soften [L. lenire] the rowghnesse of the first part of the sentence. 1626 B. Holyday 3 Serm. 3 Yet shall execrable violation bee softned into an ignorance? 1671 A. Marvell Let. 23 Mar. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 137 The clause that makes them riots is thrown out & seuerall other clauses softned. 1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 399. ¶5 They..do not see our Faults,..or soften them by their Representations. 1714 A. Pope Corr. 10 Oct. (1956) I. 264 I know you will think fit to soften your expression, when you see the passage. 1753 W. Hogarth Anal. Beauty vi. 29 Horror is softened into reverence. 1785 W. Cowper Task i. 365 'Tis the primal curse, But soften'd into mercy. 1812 G. Crabbe Tales xvii. 314 I in vain had tried To soften crime, that cannot be denied. 1842 R. H. Barham Lay St. Cuthbert in Ingoldsby Legends 2nd Ser. 220 And he utters—a word which we'll soften to ‘Zooks!’ 1856 J. A. Froude Hist. Eng. (1858) I. 463 The scarcely ambiguous answer was something softened the following day. 1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xx. 346 Others proposed to send a deputation to soften the harshness of his removal. 1906 F. Vizetelly Desk-bk. Errors in Eng. 197 Terms used chiefly to soften requests, orders or directions. 1949 Social Forces 27 245/2 Help may be accepted from the community, but..with every effort to soften the humiliation. 2009 Guardian Unlimited (Nexis) 31 Oct. ‘Shut your gash’ in this week's episode had eventually been softened to ‘Shut your cave’. b. transitive. With down (less commonly away, off). ΚΠ 1729 Hist. Reg. No. 56. 285 The only Paragraph..that made any Allowance of Right to us,..soften'd down to something imaginary only. 1777 F. Burney Let. 7 Apr. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1990) II. 243 In the most Capital scene..I endeavoured what I could to soften off the affectation of her sudden change of Disposition. 1786 A. Murphy Way to keep Him (rev. ed.) ii. in Wks. III. 83 She is unfortunately yoked with a husband, whose humour will never be softened down to the least compliance with her inclinations. a1807 W. Wordsworth Prelude (1959) xiii. 494 Thou didst soften down This over-sternness. 1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. xi. iv. 279 Throughout my narrative, I softened down the passages likely to give umbrage to my patron. 1814 F. Burney Wanderer III. liv. 290 The awkward feeling of uncertain opinion, softened off, nevertheless, by the remembrance of strong personal obligation. a1865 E. C. Gaskell Wives & Daughters (1866) I. iv. 41 Mrs. Hamley tried sometimes to..soften away opinions which she fancied were offensive to the doctor. 1869 H. F. Tozer Res. Highlands of Turkey II. 264 Inconsistencies..are modified and softened down. 1874 Fort Wayne (Indiana) Daily Sentinel 16 Feb. The attempt has been made a thousand times to soften down the theology of the Bible, so as to render it palatable to the unreverend heart. 1904 J. G. Frazer Let. 4 July in Sel. Lett. (2005) 242 The kind words of your letter will..soften away any little asperities which may have escaped you. 1957 S. Campbell & C. Shaweewongse Fund. Thai Lang. 157 The use of KOR alone is considered a little abrupt, and in conversation the request is usually softened down by adding one or more of the words above at the end of the sentence. 2013 K. West R.I.P. Off! iv. 36 They even demanded that he should ask the vicar to soften down the religious content. 3. a. transitive. To make less painful or easier to bear; to mitigate, assuage. Also intransitive in early use. Cf. to soften the blow at blow n.¹ Additions.In later use also occasionally with off (e.g. quot. 1790). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > make something less violent or severe soften?c1415 smooth1837 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > mitigate or alleviate lithec897 lighteOE lissea1000 stillc1000 alightOE alithe?a1200 softc1225 swagec1330 abate?c1335 easea1374 accoya1375 allegea1375 stintc1374 slakea1387 assuage1393 planea1400 slecka1400 plasterc1400 soften?c1415 lighten?a1425 mitigate?a1425 relievec1425 asoftc1430 alleviate?a1475 allevya1500 sletcha1500 alleve1544 allevate1570 salve?1577 sweetena1586 smooth1589 disembitter1622 deleniate1623 slaken1629 tranquillitate1657 soothe1711 ?c1415 T. Hoccleve Balade Henry V for Money l. 11 in Minor Poems (1970) i. 62 Let your hy worthynesse Oure indigences softne, & abate! a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer Romaunt Rose (Hunterian) (1891) l. 1925 It softnede heere and prikkith there. c1450 (c1386) G. Chaucer Legend Good Women (Fairf. 16) (1879) Prol. l. 50 That blisful sight softneth al my sorwe. c1480 (a1400) St. Agatha 149 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 362 Godis angele..vith dew of hewine ma softine sa, þat þi fyre sal me do na wa. 1527 L. Andrewe tr. H. Brunschwig Vertuose Boke Distyllacyon ii. lviii. sig. D.iv/2 An ounce in a daye softeneth the payne in the hede. 1597 W. Burton tr. Achilles Tatius Most Delectable & Pleasaunt Hist. Clitiphon & Leucippe v. 87 Time is y^e medicine for sorrow, which doth soften the woundes of the minde. 1653 D. Dickson Brief Explic. Other 50 Psalmes 333 The knowledge of Gods eternal goodwill to us, is a sufficient cordiall to soften and sweeten all our grief. 1713 A. Pope Ode Musick 7 Musick can soften Pain to Ease. 1790 F. Burney Diary Jan. (1842) V. 86 To soften off, by the air, a violent headache, I determined upon walking to Chelsea. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward I. x. 268 All who had contributed to soften the term of his exile. 1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xlix After the lapse of a few days had softened the bitter grief. 1910 G. Meredith Celt & Saxon xix. 250 Perhaps Mrs. Adister should have a hint of it, to soften the shock. 1963 R. Stow Tourmaline xiii. 182 All other griefs can be softened by sympathy. 2006 D. J. Clayton & L. Vanderkam Healthy Guide to Unhealthy Living vi. 144 Knowing that many people have the same disease softens the emotional impact of the diagnosis. †b. transitive. To relieve from pain. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medical treatment > anaesthetization, pain-killing, etc. > practise anaesthetization, pain-killing, etc. [verb (transitive)] > allay pain > relieve (person) from pain softenc1440 c1440 (?a1400) Morte Arthure l. 2691 (MED) Sir Priamus..Sais þat he has saluez sall soften vs bothen. 4. a. transitive. To make physically soft or softer; to lessen the hardness, stiffness, or roughness of. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > soften [verb (transitive)] neshOE supplea1398 mollify?a1425 softa1425 soften?a1425 unharden1552 intenerate1595 malax1634 tender1725 untemper1758 leath1796 ?a1425 MS Hunterian 95 f. 179^v, in Middle Eng. Dict. at Softenen A mollificatiue medicine..softeniþ þat is knottye. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/2 It is harde yet, but I shall soften it well ynoughe. 1596 P. Lowe Easie Method to cure Spanish Sicknes i. xiv. sig. C4^v In the which [baths] you may put 2. or 3. gallons of Milke, the which is good to..soften the skin. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. ii. 78 Orpheus Lute,..Whose golden touch could soften steele and stones. View more context for this quotation 1656 R. Verney Let. Dec. in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney Mem. Verney Family 17th Cent. (1904) II. xxxvii. 51 I see the same sunn that softens Wax, hardens clay. 1750 tr. C. Leonardus Mirror of Stones 227 Sometimes deceivers will soften the amber and put into it some extraneous matter. 1796 H. Hunter tr. J.-H. B. de Saint-Pierre Stud. Nature (1799) I. 53 With Fire he..hardens clay, softens iron. 1853 A. Soyer Pantropheon 288 They were first softened in milk and honey. 1896 U.S. Patent 562,656 2/2 Softening the edges of the small, hard plastic sheets and thus rendering them pliable. 1977 Times 25 Nov. (Christmas Bk. Suppl.) p. xxx/4 Experimenting with rose petal oils to soften the skin. 2011 M. Lahlou Mourad 290/2 Cook gently, stirring often, for about 12 minutes, to soften the onions. b. intransitive in the same sense, typically with a medicine or other preparation as subject. ΚΠ ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 457 Nabatynes powdre..mollifieth, i. softeneth [L. mollificat], and clenseth wiþoute peyne. ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 619 (MED) Branka vrsina is an herbe, hote and moyste in þe firste degree; It matureþ and softeneth [L. lenit]. 1526 Grete Herball ccccxlii. sig. Z.iv^v/1 It softeneth and causeth defeccyon, and laxatyfe. 1610 G. Markham Maister-peece ii. clxxiii. 484 Armoniacke drieth, cooleth, softneth, and draweth. 1681 E. R. Experienced Farrier (ed. 2) i. 180 It softeneth and draweth away Moisture, and is good for all manner of hard Swellings. 1739 Hist. Wks. Learned Sept. 178 The same Heat will at the same Instant of Time soften and harden, melt and condense. 1869 W. W. Hall Guide-board to Health, Peace & Competence 316 Wine to sustain, and oil to soften, and moisten, and lubricate, and cool. 1958 Life 19 May 49/2 (advt.) A new kind of hairdressing to silken and soften,..coax and condition! 2004 D. L. Jewell Going Gray, looking Great! vi. 87 Phytargent Whitening Shampoo Restores silver highlights; softens and hydrates to eliminate coarseness. c. transitive. To make (water) soft by removing calcium and magnesium salts. Cf. soft adj. 25. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > freedom from impurities > removal of impurities > desalination or softening of water > desalinate or soften water [verb (transitive)] soften1727 dezymotize1884 desalt1909 desalinize1928 desalinate1949 1727 R. Bradley Country Housewife 46 If Water happens to be of a hard nature, if may be softened by setting it exposed to the Air and Sun, and putting into it some Pieces of soft Chalk to infuse. a1756 E. Haywood New Present (1771) 267 Hard water may be softened by laying chalk in the bottoms of the wells or ponds. 1867 C. L. Bloxam Chemistry 43 Clark's process for softening waters. 1872 R. S. Burn Sanitary Sci. v. 113 Boiling softens water to a considerable extent, but neither so quickly and so thoroughly as Dr Clarke's process. 1937 Life 12 Apr. 18/4 (advt.) Provisions can also be made to remove dirt, iron, bad taste and odor, as well as softening all the water that you use. 2013 Clean Slate Autumn 8/1 To soften water, you can use a pre-faucet conditioning appliance. 5. intransitive. To become physically soft or softer; to become less hard, stiff, or rough. Also with into. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > become soft [verb (intransitive)] nesheOE soften?c1425 mollify1528 to give again1617 mauma1642 society > occupation and work > materials > types of material generally > [verb (intransitive)] > become soft or hard hardenc1350 soften?c1425 ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 327 (MED) Rasis forsoþe prayseþ a white oyneoun soden and stampede wiþ boter made of kowe mylke, þat it may softne [L. mollefiat]. 1579 H. Heron Kayes of Counsaile ix. 140 The naturall sappe..of the tree breaketh out..from blossoms, by little and little into a more harder substance..vntill at last it softneth agayne. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §840 Many of those Bodies, that will not Melt,..will notwithstanding Soften. 1637 T. Drant Royall Guest 18 Straight this flint softens into flesh. 1730 J. Thomson Autumn in Seasons 132 The statue seem'd to breathe, And soften into flesh, beneath the touch Of forming art. 1838 T. Thomson Chem. Org. Bodies 182 When heated it softens at 302°. 1882 H. Watts Dict. Chem. III. 271 Copying-inks.—Inks for this purpose must be rather thick, not dry too quickly, and soften when moistened again, without becoming too fluid. 1949 H. Bailey Demonstr. Physical Signs Clin. Surg. (ed. 11) xxiii. 295 If the hand is kept flat upon the abdomen the underlying coil may be felt to harden and soften alternately. 1978 D. A. Watson Constr. Materials & Processes (ed. 2) vi. 173/1 As the material is forced toward an injection nozzle, the powder softens into a viscous substance. 2013 Courier Mail (Brisbane) (Nexis) 9 Dec. 40 Place 1/2 of remaining ice-cream in a large bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes to soften. 6. a. transitive. To make (a person) more sympathetic, gentle, lenient, or emotional.Frequently with heart as object, sometimes in figurative contexts of sense 4a (e.g. quot. 1594). ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > capacity for emotion > sensitiveness or tenderness > make (more) sensitive or tender [verb (transitive)] opena1350 softenc1429 thaw1582 entender1591 undull1654 unsteel1748 to open up1963 c1429 Mirour Mans Saluacioune (1986) l. 5320 (margin) (MED) The Auctor toke more hede to fede þe sowles hert þan to soften þe bodely ere. R. Misyn tr. R. Rolle Fire of Love 102 Þe saule softynand [L. demulcente] þer þou..þi tempyll has ordand. 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke xi. f. cix^v This nacion can by no miracles, ne by no benefites bee brought to soften [L. emolliri] their hertes to repentaunce. 1559 Certayne Serm. (new ed.) sig. A.iv An obstinate synner, shall there fynde..tormentes..to molyfye or soften hym. 1594 W. Shakespeare Lucrece sig. E3 All which together..Beat at thy rockie..heart, To soften it. View more context for this quotation 1657 A. Farindon XXX. Serm. ii. 218 We cannot find one [circumstance], which was not as a Hammer to..soften his stony heart. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost xi. 110 I behold them soft'nd and with tears Bewailing thir excess. View more context for this quotation 1761 C. Lennox Lady's Museum No. 11. 802 To soften his mind, and make him feel his loss more sensibly. 1798 Monthly Mag. Mar. 171/2 Afflictions soften the proud. 1827 W. Scott Jrnl. 7 Nov. (1941) 129 I..fairly softened myself like an old fool, with recalling old stories till I was fit for nothing but shedding tears. 1874 J. B. Mozley Univ. Serm. (1877) ix. 195 Misfortune, adversity, soften the human heart. 1901 F. Norris Octopus ix. 629 Adversity had softened her, as well as deepened her. 1941 Ld. Alanbrooke Diary 8 Feb. in War Diaries (2001) 139 I was given excellent caviar to soften my heart. 2002 Mojo Feb. 103/5 His smeared strumming and unpretentious simplicity could soften even the most hardened heart. b. transitive. To make less able to endure hardship or pain, or cope with difficulty; (depreciative) to make (more) self-indulgent, effeminate, or unmanly. Also with into. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > weaken (something immaterial) to thin off, downc900 feeblea1340 allayc1450 debilite1483 mollify1496 weak1502 geld?1507 water1529 appale?1530 labefact?1539 debilitate1541 mortify1553 effeeble1571 dilutea1575 soften1576 unsinew1599 melt1600 infringe1604 weaken1609 unbenda1616 dissinew1640 slacken1663 thin1670 resolve1715 imbecilitate1809 imbecile1829 to let down1832 to water down1832 1576 A. Golding tr. Warfare of Christians 66 The sweetnesse of the sounde may lozen and soften the corage of the Christian. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Apol. Poetrie (1595) sig. G4 Howe.., before Poets did soften vs, we were full of courage, giuen to martiall exercises. ?1615 G. Chapman tr. Homer Odysses (new ed.) xii. 64 The Sirens will so soften with their song..His loose affections. 1637 T. Nabbes Hannibal & Scipio i. iv. sig. C^v Love and a Lady are for such as ease Hath softned into women. 1670 C. Cotton tr. G. Girard Hist. Life Duke of Espernon i. iii. 104 A negligent and voluptuous Prince, whose nature being softned, and unnerv'd by ease [etc.]. 1717 tr. P.-D. Huet Hist. Commerce & Navigation Ancients xlviii. 175 Its People, softened by their Pleasures and Abundance, were fallen into that Effeminacy. 1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera ii. xii. 34 Would you the Frowns of a Lady prevent, She too has this palpable Failing, The Perquisite softens her into Consent. 1780 Mirror No. 94 Softening too much the mind of a young girl, who has to struggle with the difficulties of life. 1893 J. Clifford Christian Certainties ix. 280 Reluctant to open the doors to the genial warmth lest it should relax nerve, soften hardy strength. 1927 Boys' Life Oct. 59/1 (advt.) The right food can toughen an athlete—the wrong food can soften him. 1997 T. Mackintosh-Smith Yemen (1999) iii. 65 People whose parents' generation had thought nothing of going on a three-day march to buy a pound of sugar but who..had been softened into total reliance on mechanical transport. Pansies. Namby-pambies. c. transitive. To make more delicate, refined, or appealing. Also with into. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [verb (transitive)] > purify or refine slick1340 filec1400 polishc1400 burnish1526 polite1535 extirpate1548 purify1548 soften1579 purgea1582 refine1592 mellow1593 civilize1596 rarefy1600 incivilize1603 sublimate1624 alembicate1627 chastise1627 sublime1631 calcine1635 gentilize1635 ennoble1636 subtilize1638 deconcoct1655 sublimizea1729 smooth1762 absterge1817 decrassify1855 sandpaper1890 1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 770 The rudenesse and austere nature of men with whom he had to doe, whose maners afterwardes he softned [Fr. addoulcit] and made ciuill. 1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. ix. 312 Will this not perswade the world..that by it [sc. the faith of Christians] the most inhumane and barbarous Nations are softned into more then civility? 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 10. ⁋2 Every Temper..is to be animated and softned by the Influence of Beauty. 1782 W. Cowper Poems 185 This genial intercourse..softens human rockwork into men. 1831 J. Sinclair Corr. II. 370 Attention to music..softens the temper. 1868 W. Morris Earthly Paradise i. 112 Though some divine thought softened all her face. 1914 Indian's Friend Apr. 10/22 The Indians are taught whatever form of music in which it seems they may excel..in order that it may soften their characters. 1987 N. Armstrong Desire & Domest. Fiction v. 221 Caroline may in turn soften him into an amiable mate. 2012 H. P. Mallory Witch is Back iv. 52 A huge smile softened his face. 7. intransitive. To become less harsh, severe, or intense in feeling, appearance, or sensation; to become more sympathetic or gentle; to become fainter or less pronounced. Also with into. a. Without adverb. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] allayc1275 softc1300 assuage1330 swagec1330 slakea1352 stanchc1420 overslakec1425 appeasec1440 to swage ofc1440 to sit downa1555 soften1565 slack1580 mitigate1633 moderate1737 gentle1912 society > trade and finance > trading conditions > [verb (intransitive)] > be in or reach specific state (of market) soften1565 bottom1846 steady1913 to bottom out1938 society > trade and finance > stocks and shares > deal in stocks and shares [verb (intransitive)] > specific operations soften1565 to get out1728 bear1837 to rig the (stock) market1841 stag1845 cornera1860 to straddle the market1870 raid1889 to make a market1899 to job backwards1907 to mark to (the) market1925 short1959 daisy-chain1979 to pitch for ——1983 the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > capacity for emotion > sensitiveness or tenderness > become (more) sensitive or tender [verb (intransitive)] tender1390 soften1565 thaw1598 open1713 to open up1968 1565 J. Hall Courte of Vertue f. 36 To make harde hartes that feare not god,To soften and relente. a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) ii. ii. 43 We do not know How he may soften at the sight o' th' Childe. View more context for this quotation 1654 R. Codrington tr. Queen Margaret of Valois Heptameron 470 His heart began to soften into compassion. 1730 J. Thomson Hymn on Seasons in Seasons 232 Shade, unperceiv'd so, softening into shade. 1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. liv. 234 By what gentle degrees, the furious, persecuting zeal of Mr. Horne has softened into moderation. 1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest I. i. 21 The terrors of La Motte began to subside, and the griefs of Adeline to soften. 1820 L. Hunt Indicator 5 Apr. 203 The pain that is in it softens into pleasure. 1838 T. Mitchell in Aristophanes Clouds 31 The scholar..gradually softens at this submission, and becomes sociable and communicative. 1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia VI. xxi. viii. 654 His eyes..softened finely in hearing, or telling, some trait of nobleness. 1916 Locomotive Engineers Jrnl. Dec. 1023/1 His voice softened into tenderness. 1978 Mich. Alumnus May 13/2 Keewaydinoquay's anger softens and her gaze turns dreamy. 2005 G. Jenkins Code Green xiv. 154 His face softened into a smile. b. With away, down, off. ΚΠ 1749 J. Cleland Mem. Woman of Pleasure II. 129 Anger and indignation.., that soften'd away into other sentiments. 1792 W. Gilpin Three Ess. ii. 55 Beautiful lights, softening off along the sides of hills. 1833 L. Ritchie Wanderings by Loire 122 The rocks soften down on the right, and the village of Bouchemain appears. 1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge lxiii. 304 A furious crowd, which..softened off in a confused heap of faces. 1879 R. Browning Halbert & Hob 6 Most wildness by degrees Softens away! 1937 South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) 26 Apr. 1/3 It softens away on the words ‘Crown the King with peace’. 1992 Advertiser (Austral.) (Nexis) 1 July The oak flavor begins to soften off and smooth out. 8. a. transitive. Phonetics. To make (a consonant) soft (soft adj. 24). ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > faintness or weakness > make quieter [verb (transitive)] soften1654 soft-pedal1898 the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > degree, kind, or quality of sound > pleasantness of sound > make pleasant sound [verb (transitive)] > make gentle or not harsh soften1654 1654 J. Wharton Eng.-Gram. ii. 18 The second use of e final.., is to change the sound of these two letters, c, g, First it softneth the sound of c, as in ace, place. 1669 W. Holder Elem. Speech 78 To soften the Occluse Gingival Consonants, by a kind of..addition of a Spirital..to a Vocal producing the Vowel. 1736 R. Ainsworth Thes. Linguæ Latinæ II. at D This letter..is a t hardned, as t is a d softned. 1853 H. Clarke Gram. Eng. Tongue 39 E at the end of a word softens the consonant, as in force, rage, since, bathe. 1890 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 26 17 In our modern word ditch the final letter has been softened or weakened. 1930 Amer. Speech 30 207 The sk sound in such words as muskrat, muskmelon and tusk is usually softened to sh. 1992 Eng. Today Oct. 27/2 Softening the last consonant ‘k’ by changing it into interdental ‘dh’. b. transitive. To make (a sound, music, a voice, etc.) quieter or more mellow in tone. ΚΠ 1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. i. 28 He spoke to her in accents somewhat softened from their usual harshness. 1824 Ld. Byron Deformed Transformed i. ii How the soldier's rough strain seems Soften'd by distance to a hymn-like cadence! 1881 Temple Bar Nov. 322 He softened his voice, and took her hand. 1955 B. Pym Less than Angels xvi. 183 Somewhere a band was playing, its brassiness softened by distance into a pleasant background noise. 2005 Rhythm Feb. 96/2 The sonic effect of the wood is to soften the tone of the metal a bit. 9. transitive. To make visually softer; to make less sharp, rugged, bright, or defined; to blur. Also with into. a. Without adverb. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > make invisible [verb (transitive)] > make indistinct overcloudc1550 fog?1592 blura1616 soften1672 obumbilatea1711 slur1782 haze1801 veil1843 fuzz1907 defocus1955 1672 W. Salmon Polygraphice ii. x. 184 Lay faint greenish shadows..where it is necessary to soften harsher shadows. 1741 R. Savage in Gentleman's Mag. June 324/2 Above your lucid shoulders locks display'd, Prone to descend, shall soften light with shade. 1791 W. Gilpin Remarks Forest Scenery II. v. 96 A degree of distance also is requisite, both to lessen the object; and to soften the features of it. 1810 G. Crabbe Borough ii. 18 For Time has soften'd what was harsh when new, And now the Stains are all of sober hue. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 725 These shades, duly softened into each other, will give the idea of a round body. 1835 W. Irving Tour on Prairies 159 There was a smoky haze in the atmosphere.., softening the features of the landscape. 1884 Manch. Examiner 1 Sept. 5/4 An awning..softened the light and hid the bare rafters. 1905 Primary Educ. Apr. 167/2 The blackness of the buds is softened into rich brown. 1931 Movie Makers Feb. 83/1 Faint mist hangs over the scene, softening every outline. 2008 J. Howe Forging Dragons 86/2 Coloured pencils come in handy to soften the hard edges. b. With away, down, off. ΚΠ 1692 M. Smith Art of Painting xxix. 81 Lastly, where it may require it, Soften of all the Edges. 1735 J. Barrow Dict. Polygraphicum II. at Miniature Touches of a paler colour.., which must be softened away into the rest. 1770 T. Whately Observ. Mod. Gardening 244 The light is gently softened off by the rotundity of the columns. 1804 J. Parkinson Org. Remains Former World I. xxxvi. 348 Its lines are softened down, by its assuming this resinous-like appearance. 1873 Spectator 22 Feb. 239/2 A bistre shade around his black eyes which softens away their beadiness. 1930 Fortn. Rev. Aug. 206 Some..veil of mist..softens away some blemish. 1950 Y. Lane Stage Make-up xv. 93 All the shadows should be softened off by mixing a little No. 9 in on the edges of the blue so that harsh black and white effects are avoided in the completed picture. 1997 Daily Record (Glasgow) (Nexis) 17 May 13 We softened down the eyes using muted colours. 10. intransitive. Business and Finance. To become depressed in value; to fall in price or rate. Also with down. ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > monetary value > [verb (intransitive)] > fall in value fall?1532 depreciatea1790 soften1838 1838 Standard 9 June Prices of middling to ordinary American have gradually softened. 1893 Pharmaceut. Rec. 12 Jan. 34/1 Subsequently the market softened somewhat. 1921 Packages Mar. 36/1 Prices..have softened down until everybody is wondering when trade can be stirred up. 1982 Daily Tel. 6 July 15 American rates might soften following the publication of reassuring money supply figures. 2013 Metal Bull. Weekly (Nexis) 17 June Prices could soften down to $100 per tonne. 11. a. transitive. colloquial (originally U.S.). With up. To make more amenable or cooperative; to undermine the resistance of.In examples where physical force is used, partly an extended use of sense 11b. ΘΚΠ the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > be irresolute about [verb (transitive)] > cause to waver waverc1425 flitc1480 shakec1480 staggera1625 soften1918 1918 Jrnl. Electr. Workers & Operators 18 21/1 Manager Graham..is a hard guy towards unions... But..with the Government saying men have a right to join a union without being fired we may be able to soften him up a little. 1922 Amer. Stationer & Office Outfitter 29 July 12/2 How can I soften him up? How can I impress him? How can I get him to do what I want him to do? 1951 Here & Now (N.Z.) May 8/2 These fellowships are part of the general system of ‘softening up’ overseas journalists and persuading them to see the advantages of the American way of life. 1996 H. Fielding Bridget Jones's Diary (1997) 185 Like a foot I went for a drink with him to the American Bar at the Savoy, let him soften me up with champagne. 2014 N.Y. Times (Nexis) 23 Apr. (Late ed.) a22 Contract employees encouraged guards to soften up prisoners for interrogation. b. transitive. Military. To reduce the strength of (a defensive position, enemy force, etc.) by bombing or other preliminary attack. Also in extended use in sporting contexts. Usually with up. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > [verb (transitive)] > other operations soften1940 to scorch the earth1941 1940 W. L. Shirer Diary 24 May in Berlin Diary (1941) 378 Stuka dive-bombers are softening the Allied defence positions, making them ripe for an easy attack. 1942 Sun (Baltimore) 3 Feb. 1/5 Japanese air raiders engaged in a grand-scale effort to soften up the stronghold for a final invasion thrust. 1949 Flying Apr. 66/3 Can we only soften him gradually, so that when the airborne troops touch down for the main attack, he will give up more quickly? 1949 F. Maclean Eastern Approaches iii. xv. 490 United States Army Air Force Mustangs had ‘softened up’ the target. 1950 J. Dempsey Championship Fighting 89 They will enable you to knock out or at least ‘soften up’ an opponent. 1988 P. Fussell Thank God for Atom Bomb 18 The battleships Iowa..and King George V were steaming up and down the coast, softening it up with their sixteen-inch shells. 1991 St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch (Nexis) 31 Jan. 1 a The attack began after 15 minutes of heavy Marine artillery fire designed to soften up the Iraqi defenses. 2003 Associated Press State & Local Wire (Nexis) 8 Sept. They wanted to soften up their defense to run the ball. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < v.a1382
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