softsoft /sɒft $ sɒːft/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective (comparative softer, superlative softest) 
My feet sank into the soft ground. the softest sofa and pillows Cook the onions until they go soft. b)less hard than average OPP hard: a soft lead pencil soft cheese2not rough having a surface that is smooth and pleasant to touch OPP rough: a baby’s soft skin The fur was soft to the touch.3not loud a soft sound or voice, or soft music, is quiet and pleasant to listen to OPP loud, harsh: soft music His voice was softer now.► see thesaurus at quiet4colour/light [only before noun] soft colours or lights are pleasant and relaxing because they are not too bright OPP bright: All the stores will be re-fitted with softer lighting. a soft shade of peach► see thesaurus at colour5no hard edges not having any hard edges or sharp angles: soft curves6rain/wind gentle and without much force: a soft breeze soft rain7not strict someone who is soft seems weak because they are not strict enough with other people OPP strict, tough: If you appear to be soft, people take advantage of you.soft on No politician wants to seem soft on crime. Courts have been taking a soft line (=not being strict enough) with young offenders.8sensitive kind, gentle, and sympathetic to other people OPP hard: He has a soft heart beneath that cold exterior. a soft kiss9weak character not very brave and not having a strong character OPP hard: Don’t be soft – just jump!10sales/markets decreasing in price, value, or the amount sold: soft oil prices11soft loan/credit money that is lent at a lower interest rate than usual, because it will be used to help people in some way12soft money money that people, companies, or organizations give to political parties, rather than to a particular candidate13too easy informal a soft job, life etc is too easy and does not involve much work or hard physical work: Mike’s found himself a soft job in the stores.soft option British English (=a choice that allows you to avoid difficulties or hard work) Taking the soft option won’t help your career to develop.14weak body informal having a body that is not in a strong physical condition, because you do not do enough exercise: He’d got soft after all those years in a desk job.15water soft water does not contain many minerals, so that it forms bubbles from soap easily16have a soft spot for somebody to continue to like someone even when they do not behave well: She’s always had a soft spot for Grant.17a soft touch informal someone from whom you can easily get what you want, because they are kind or easy to deceive18soft in the head old-fashioned very stupid or crazy19stupid British English stupid or silly: You must be soft if you think I’ll give you fifty quid!20be soft on somebody old-fashioned to be sexually attracted to someone21consonants technical not sounding hard: a soft g—softly adverb: She stroked his head softly. Music played softly in the background.—softness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSsoft not hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press: · a soft mattress· Her skin was lovely and soft.· soft groundtender used about meat or vegetables that are soft and easy to cut, especially because they have been well cooked: · The beef was very tender.· Cook the carrots until tender.soggy very wet and too soft, in a way that seems unpleasant – used about bread, vegetables, and the ground: · soggy cabbage· a piece of soggy bread· The ground was too soggy to walk on.squishy soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about soft wet ground which makes a noise when you walk on it: · squishy tomatoes· The leaves were squishy under our feet.squashy British English soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about chairs that are soft and comfortable: · The peaches have gone all squashy.· a big squashy sofamushy used about fruit or vegetables that are very soft, wet, and unpleasant, because they are not fresh or have been cooked for too long: · mushy pieces of banana· a few mushy carrotsspongy soft and full of holes that contain air or liquid like a sponge: · a spongy foam· a spongy loaf· His boots sank into the spongy soil.springy used about something that is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on: · springy turf (=grass)· Her hair felt lovely and springy.pliable /ˈplaɪəbəl/ used about a material or substance that can be bent or pressed without breaking or cracking: · The clay was still pliable and not too dry.yielding literary used about a surface which is soft and will bend when you press it: · yielding fleshCOLLOCATIONS CHECKtender meat/vegetablessoggy ground/bread/vegetables/papersquishy fruit/groundsquashy fruit/chairmushy fruit/vegetablesspongy ground/texture/foam/loafspringy hair/turf/carpetpliable material/clay
WORD ORIGINsoft
Origin:
Old English softeEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Soft land prices have helped boost new home sales.
- Soft lighting creates a romantic atmosphere.
- a soft cheese
- a soft pillow
- A good moisturizer will leave your skin softer and smoother.
- a selection of hard and soft cheeses
- a whisper so soft that I could scarcely hear it
- an expensive pair of soft leather gloves
- Analysts expressed fears of a softer U.S. market for large cars.
- Apply the polish with a soft cloth.
- Compared with today's ideal, 19th-century ladies appear much softer.
- He doesn't have the right personality to be an army officer, he's too soft.
- He spoke in a whisper so soft that I could hardly hear it.
- He spoke with a soft Irish accent.
- Her hair was soft and silky.
- I need a softer pillow.
- In the soft evening light Sonya looked ten years younger.
- Just because a guy is bright and plays the guitar doesn't mean he's soft.
- Polish the chrome with a soft cloth.
- She fell over several times, but came to no harm in the soft new snow.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the onion until soft and beginning to brown at the edges.
- I leave the softer grades until the whole drawing is practically finished, to prevent unintentional smudging.
- In the gap between the brassière and the pinched waistband of her skirt, her flesh bulged in a pale soft band.
- Reject any that are even slightly soft or in any way discoloured.
- The guy on the right is younger, with a softer, more expressive face.
- The Lions play a perplexingly soft defense, where they willingly allow teams to throw short, underneath passes.
- The walls were of plaster, painted soft green and decorated with silver and gold lozenges.
THESAURUS
not hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press: · a soft mattress· Her skin was lovely and soft.· soft ground
used about meat or vegetables that are soft and easy to cut, especially because they have been well cooked: · The beef was very tender.· Cook the carrots until tender.
very wet and too soft, in a way that seems unpleasant – used about bread, vegetables, and the ground: · soggy cabbage· a piece of soggy bread· The ground was too soggy to walk on.
soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about soft wet ground which makes a noise when you walk on it: · squishy tomatoes· The leaves were squishy under our feet.
British English soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about chairs that are soft and comfortable: · The peaches have gone all squashy.· a big squashy sofa
used about fruit or vegetables that are very soft, wet, and unpleasant, because they are not fresh or have been cooked for too long: · mushy pieces of banana· a few mushy carrots
soft and full of holes that contain air or liquid like a sponge: · a spongy foam· a spongy loaf· His boots sank into the spongy soil.
used about something that is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on: · springy turf (=grass)· Her hair felt lovely and springy.
used about a material or substance that can be bent or pressed without breaking or cracking: · The clay was still pliable and not too dry.
literary used about a surface which is soft and will bend when you press it: · yielding flesh
Longman Language Activatorsoft and easy to press or crush · She fell over several times, but came to no harm in the soft new snow.· a selection of hard and soft cheeses· I need a softer pillow.
use this about meat and vegetables that are soft and easy to cut because they have been cooked well: · Cook the curry for another 40 minutes or until the meat is tender.
soft and full of holes that contain air or liquid: · The ground was wet and spongy underfoot.· Protecting the edge of the bone is a layer of soft, spongy tissue.
use this about grass or ground that returns to its original shape after someone has walked on it: · Instinctively, I took off my shoes and felt the springy grass beneath my bare feet.· The stag was now at full gallop on the springy turf.
soft and pleasant to touch · Her hair was soft and silky.· Apply the polish with a soft cloth.· an expensive pair of soft leather gloves· Use a good handcream to keep your hands soft.
covered in soft, light threads, fur, or feathers: · She found a towel, huge and fluffy, and wrapped it around herself.· After a few days, there would be dozens of fluffy little chicks hatching out.
soft, smooth, and shiny and pleasant to touch: · His skin felt soft and velvety, like a baby's.· She buried her nose in the fragrant, velvety petals.
soft and wet British /mushy American use this about fruit or vegetables that are soft and wet, for example because they are not fresh or have been cooked for too long: · All I had left in the fridge was a lemon and a couple of squashy tomatoes.· mushy Brussels sprouts and lumpy gravy· Use firm, ripe pears, not ones that have gone mushy.
use this about mud that is very soft and makes a wet sound when you walk in it: · The ground was soft and squishy, and she felt mud oozing over the top of her shoes.
soft and not stiff or firm use this about something that is not as stiff or firm as it should be: · He held the boy's small, limp body in his arms, and wept.· By the time we got there, all that was left were some rather limp sandwiches.
use this about something that is soft and hangs loosely downwards: · He wore a large, floppy hat.· a toy rabbit with big, floppy ears· He is good-looking with floppy black hair, brown eyes and a lean muscular body.
to become or make something soft also go soft British · The wax will get softer as it is heated.· Put the butter in the fridge or it'll go soft.
to become soft or to make something soft: · Soak the raisins in warm water till they soften.· It's a disease that softens and then destroys the bones.
not bright light that is pale is not bright and has very little colour in it: · I couldn't get to sleep until I saw the first pale light of dawn.· The sunlight through the thick clouds was pale and cool that morning.· The banks of the river are bathed in pale moonlight.
a dim light or lamp is not bright and makes it difficult for you to see - use this about lights inside rooms or buildings, not the light outside: · It was impossible to read by the dim light of the fire.· There was nothing in the room but a table, a chair, and a dim lamp.· Dying embers gave out a dim glow in the hearth.
weak light is not bright, especially when you need it to be brighter, or when it was brighter before: · In the weak light inside the bus Tom couldn't see to read.· the weak glow of the dashboard lights
poor or bad light is not bright enough, so that it is difficult for you to work or see what you are doing: · Reading in poor light is very bad for the eyes.· It was difficult to find our way down the mountain in the mist and bad light.
soft light is not bright, in a way that is pleasant and relaxing: · In the soft evening light Sonya looked ten years younger.· The restaurant has a romantic atmosphere with soft lights and background music.
low lighting is fairly dark, so that a place seems pleasant and relaxing - use this about the light in rooms or buildings, not the light outside: · For our anniversary, let's go to a restaurant with low lights and soft music.· It was a while before Samuel's eyes got used to the low lighting of the intensive care unit.
words for describing music, sounds, or voices that are quiet quiet sounds, voices, or music are not loud: · He spoke in a quiet yet confident voice.· There was a quiet knock at the door.
a low voice or sound is quiet and deep: · A low humming noise was coming from the refrigerator.in a low voice (=speaking quietly): · 'Take care,' he said in a low voice.
soft sounds, voices, or music are quiet, gentle, and pleasant: · He spoke with a soft Irish accent.· a whisper so soft that I could scarcely hear it· With candlelight and soft music, you can create a romantic atmosphere in your own home.
muffled voices or sounds are quiet and unclear, especially because they come from behind a wall or door: · We heard muffled shouts and screams from the bar below.· His voice was muffled, "I'm in the bathroom. I'm stuck."
a hushed voice, conversation, crowd etc is intentionally quiet, for example because someone is afraid of being heard or because they are waiting for some important news: · Two men in dark suits were having a hushed conversation in the corner.· A hushed congress heard the official declaration of war.· She spoke in a hushed whisper, "I think my husband knows about us."
a faint sound is quiet and difficult to hear, especially because it comes from a long way away : · Jean opened the window, and heard the faint sound of the bells drifting across the Old Town.· The men went away, and we could hear their voices get fainter and fainter.· There was silence for a moment as they held each other's eyes, broken only by the faint sound of dance music from down below.
formal inaudible sounds are so quiet that you cannot hear them: · Her voice was so faint, it was almost inaudible.· Michael went bright red, and muttering something inaudible, he walked out of the room.· Aunt Jessica let out an inaudible sigh.
people/attitudes that are not strict not strict in the way that you punish people or control their behaviour: · The younger teachers generally had a more lenient attitude towards their students.lenient with: · Some police officers have criticized judges for being too lenient with car thieves and burglars.
someone who is easy-going does not care about being strict, and is usually calm and relaxed: · Our parents are pretty easy-going, and they don't mind if we stay out late.
someone who is soft seems weak because they are not strict enough with other people: · He doesn't have the right personality to be an army officer, he's too soft.soft on: · They accused the government of being too soft on crime.
allowing people to do, say, or believe what they like without fear of being punished or criticized: · I've tried to adopt a fairly tolerant attitude towards his behaviour.tolerant of: · She's not very tolerant of other people's failings.tolerant towards: · You should try to be more tolerant towards other people.
behaviour or an attitude that allows people to do, say, or believe what they like without fear of being punished or criticized: · Tolerance was not a quality you associated with my parents.tolerance of: · The government is beginning to show more tolerance of opposition groups.tolerance towards: · The school encourages an attitude of tolerance towards all people.
willing to understand and respect other people's ideas, opinions, and behaviour, even if you do not approve of them: · I was fortunate enough to have very liberal parents.· He has quite liberal views for someone of his generation.
willing to accept and respect other people's beliefs or behaviour although they many be very different from your own: · My mother's quite broad-minded. She understands my decision to bring up my baby on my own.
a permissive society or person allows behaviour, especially sexual behaviour, that many other people disapprove of: · In the permissive society of the 1960s anything was possible.· It's not always true that young people have a more permissive attitude towards sex.
not strict enough, especially through laziness or carelessness: · The report criticizes the lax security at many prisons.lax about: · I think the school has been too lax about bad behaviour in the past.
allowing someone, especially a child, to behave in whatever way they want because you love them: · Parents can easily fall into the trap of being over-indulgent with their first child.· She was brought up by a succession of over-indulgent relations.
WORD SETSacetate, nounacid, nounacidic, adjectiveacidify, verbactive, adjectiveadditive, nounagent, nounalchemy, nounalcohol, nounalkali, nounalkaline, adjectiveamalgam, nounantioxidant, noun-ate, suffixatomic number, nounbase, nounbauxite, nounbeaker, nounbenzene, nounbiochemistry, nounbitumen, nounbleach, nounbond, nounbonding, nouncalcify, verbcarbohydrate, nouncarbonate, nouncarbon dioxide, nouncarbonize, verbcatalyst, nouncaustic, adjectivechain reaction, nounchemical, nounchemical, adjectivechemical reaction, nounchemist, nounchemistry, nounchlorinate, verbcitric acid, nouncombustion, nounconcentration, nouncondense, verbcontaminant, nouncontaminate, verbcontaminated, adjectivecorrode, verbcorrosion, nouncorrosive, adjectivecrucible, nouncrystal, nouncrystallize, verbcyanide, nounDDT, noundecay, verbdecay, noundecompose, verbdegrade, verbderive, verbdetoxification, noundextrose, noundioxin, noundispersion, noundissolve, verbdistill, verbeffervesce, verbeffervescent, adjectiveelectrolysis, nounelectrolyte, nounelectroplate, verbemulsify, verbemulsion, nounenzyme, nounexpand, verbfatty acid, nounferment, verbferment, nounflashback, nounflask, nounformaldehyde, nounformula, nounfructose, nounfungicide, nounfuse, verbgas, noungaseous, adjectiveglucose, noungranular, adjectivegraphite, nounhallucinogen, nounhelium, nounherbicide, nounhydrate, nouninert, adjectiveinsoluble, adjectiveinsulin, nounion, nounionize, verblactic acid, nounlimescale, nounlitmus, nounlitmus paper, nounlitmus test, nounmethane, nounmixture, nounmolecule, nounneon, nounnerve gas, nounneutralize, verbneutron, nounnitric acid, nounnucleic acid, nounnucleus, nounnutrient, nounorganic chemistry, nounosmosis, nounoxidize, verboxyacetylene, nounoxygenate, verbozone, nounpart, nounpectin, nounpesticide, nounpestle, nounpetrochemical, nounpH, nounphotosynthesis, nounplasma, nounpolyunsaturated, adjectivepotash, nounprecipitate, verbprecipitate, nounprecipitation, nounproduct, nounprussic acid, nounquicklime, nounradioactive, adjectiveradioactivity, nounradiology, nounreact, verbreaction, nounreactive, adjectivereagent, nounresidue, nounretort, nounriboflavin, nounsalt, nounsaltpetre, nounsaturate, verbsaturated, adjectivesaturation, nounsaturation point, nounsemiconductor, nounsoft, adjectivesolid, nounsolution, nounsolvent, nounstability, nounstabilizer, nounstable, adjectivestarch, nounsteam, nounsucrose, nounsulphate, nounsulphide, nounsulphur, nounsulphur dioxide, nounsulphuric acid, nounsulphurous, adjectivesurface tension, nounsuspension, nounsynthesize, verbsynthetic, adjectivetannin, nountartaric acid, nounTNT, noununstable, adjectivevalence, nounvitamin, nounvolatile, adjectivevulcanize, verbwater softener, nounwater-soluble, adjectivewater vapour, nounwetting agent, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Cook the onions until they go soft. No politician wants to seem soft on crime. Courts have been taking a soft line (=not being strict enough) with young offenders. He has a soft heart beneath that cold exterior. He’d got soft after all those years in a desk job.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES an old, lumpy mattress a room beautifully furnished in soft pastels They needed to find the soft underbelly of their opponents. The wet wood is very slippery underfoot.
Cook the onions until they go soft. No politician wants to seem soft on crime. Courts have been taking a soft line (=not being strict enough) with young offenders. He has a soft heart beneath that cold exterior. British English (=a choice that allows you to avoid difficulties or hard work) Taking the soft option won’t help your career to develop.
Taking the soft option won’t help your career to develop. He’d got soft after all those years in a desk job.· It was a beautiful day with a blue sky and a gentle breeze.
(=that you can spread)· Camembert is my favourite soft cheese.
(=not loud)· There was only a faint click from the gun's trigger mechanism.
(=pleasant and not very strong)
· I never buy books in hard cover – they’re much more expensive.
(=not punish crime severely enough)· He accused the government of being soft on crime.
(=gentle curves)· long brown hair in soft curls
(=which does not contain alcohol)· Would you like some wine, or a soft drink?
(=less strong drugs such as marijuana)· Soft drugs are legal in some countries.
· The wheels got stuck in the soft earth.
(=a kind and sympathetic character)· Julia’s soft heart had been touched by Minnie’s grief.
· He let out a loud laugh when he heard what had happened.
(=light that seems slightly yellow or orange)· the soft light of the candles
(=lighting that is not very bright)
an old, lumpy mattress· They were kept awake by loud music from next door.
a room beautifully furnished in soft pastels· Her skin was smooth and pale.
(=not loud)· The sound was so faint I wasn’t sure what it was at first.
· There was a gentle tap on the door.
· Some criminals now regard churches as easy targets.
· The texture of the cheese is soft and creamy.
British English (=a toy that looks like an animal and is covered in fur)
They needed to find the soft underbelly of their opponents. The wet wood is very slippery underfoot. (=not loud)· When he spoke, his voice was soft and gentle.
· ‘Where is she?’, Kate demanded in a shrill voice.
(=not containing much calcium)· In our area the water is quite soft.
· When he spoke, it was in a low whisper.
· Oak is a hard wood.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· There are litters of kittens that aren't as soft as Maurice Taylor.· When he was young his hair had been that flaxen gold too, as soft and as fine.· My daughter feels as soft as a marshmallow, as warm as a hot-water bottle.· Polyester and polyamide yarns and fibres with ever-greater performance for competition suits as soft to the touch as they are resistant.· Dole aides believe they can paint the president as soft on crime by hammering his judicial nominees.· After all, the best washing-up liquid in the world can't keep your skin as soft as we can.· Our bones are as soft and changeable as those of the fetus we carried for nine months.
· The sound was so soft that I could only just hear it.· He slid his hands over her waist, so soft like baby skin.· He despatched them and groaned again. So soft, so warm, so irresistible.· Really these children were getting so soft.· The bread was so soft our fingertips left dents near the crust.· The sand proved so soft that the overloaded lorries repeatedly bogged down.· Your lips are so soft, your hair is silky, your body is warm and so tender.
· If your bed is too soft, it may be better to put a mattress on the floor and lie on that.· They echoed studio executives who found the film too soft.· Anyway, there are your pears, just nicely poached, not too soft and not too hard.· Lady Jones was saying something too soft for Denver to hear.· Add the caster sugar, if using, and sufficient water to cover, then poach until tender but not too soft.· Avoid shoes with too much cushioning -- they may be too soft or unstable.· But the course was too soft for him.· The dough may be too soft.
· It will help if you lie down and have some very soft music playing.· Wrap in foil and bake in a 350 F oven until garlic is very soft and sweet, about 1 hour.· This makes the wings very soft to the touch and probably cuts down noise from feathers moving against one another during flight.· It was like eating very soft, uncooked marshmallow or egg pudding.· His skin felt very soft and cool under her lips.· What mechanism allows toadstools -- essentially very soft and squashy items -- to push through two inches of asphalt?· If the skin is very soft, the melon is over-ripe.· Cover and cook for 5-6min until they are very soft but not brown.
NOUN· Epoisses is a very popular washed rind soft cheese from Burgundy.· Because soft cheeses are perishable, they are kept small and / or thin; they are quickly ripened from the surface.· They inject soft cheeses, as I said, to stop them ripening too quickly.· Low fat hard and soft cheeses account for 8 percent of sales.· We've had Salmonella in chickens and eggs, and Listeria in chilled foods and soft cheeses.· Mix the soft cheese with the sugar, fold in the orange rind. 5 Fold cream into mixture.· It may be more difficult with soft cheeses and we will be examining this very carefully.
· The nearest supermarket is next door where you can buy some basics, such as soft drinks and beer in reception.· In the mornings Ruth Rasmussen would be ready with a cooler of sandwiches and soft drinks.· Their acidic characteristics makes them particularly suitable for the dairy industry, breweries and soft drink manufacturers.· Scientists will study how the astronauts like the soft drinks to see how space changes taste.· Don't you think you'd be better off with a soft drink?· The packaging costs exceed the cost of basic ingredients in soft drinks, breakfast cereals, soups, and frozen dinners.· Filled rolls with tea, coffee and soft drinks will be dispensed.· The rate includes room, all meals, all daytime activities except a nearby archaeological dig, Belikin beer and soft drinks.
· However, is it not time to consider the possibility of legalising soft drugs, especially cannabis?· If we were to legalise soft drugs, that would no longer be a problem.· The principal's own inquiries revealed that seven boys had taken soft drugs from the pupil.· Almost a third admitted doing no work in an average day and more than half said they had used soft drugs.
· It pounded the soft earth and gurgled along the gutters to splash with relentless monotony into the tub outside the back door.· She was pointing at a recess scraped in the soft earth and pine needles.· He rolled as soon as he hit the soft earth and crashed into the base of a tree.· Gradually, as they worked, their feet sank into the soft earth and wet mud oozed up between their toes.· His hand closed over grass which was instantly torn from the soft earth and his boots were dislodged from their precarious footholds.
· In the Perth/Borders area tourism and soft fruit occupied the summer and autumn periods.· It just seemed a pity that Norfolk should have no more appetising soft fruit.· In summer, the scrubbed slatted shelves inside the fruit house are used as a temporary store for soft fruits.· Then it had been filled again, but this time there were no soft fruits from her native land.· September Take cuttings from strong young shoots and root outdoors as for soft fruit.
· Thick curtains and other soft furnishings will also help absorb airborne noises.· Contrasting trimmings will highlight and define the shape of soft furnishings.· Output - some firms will have departments reflecting a particular product such as furniture, soft furnishings or kitchenware.· The couple's company designs and makes decorative glassware and soft furnishings as well as offering a full design and decorating service.
· Top weight and soft ground proved his undoing but he ran an absolute cracker to finish third to Sibton Abbey.· She is an inch long and digs a burrow six inches deep into soft ground.· The Covenanters drew swords and spears, advanced on to the soft ground, and engaged the Dragoons in bloody hand-to-hand fighting.· Second Set, whose disappointing fourth in the race last year was blamed on soft ground, could also be pulled out.· Another soft ground specialist, Green Lane, looks set for his fourth win in a row in the Krug Trophy.· On soft ground, the familiar rattle was replaced by the occasional noise of tearing metal.· This Sun Alliance Chase runner-up will be a match for any over three miles plus on soft ground.· Roundabouts would have firm handrails and soft ground around them.
· He had a soft landing on rough ground, and the foliage closed up again behind him.
· He laid upon the table a drawstring purse of soft leather, that chinked faintly as it shifted and settled.· With stylish roman numerals, gold-plated case and soft leather strap, these elegant watches are a pure delight to wear.· I wore it on cold days with soft leather boots, a mouton coat, and a large brimmed black felt hat.· No couch grass striping her soft leather shoes with cuckoo-spit here she thinks.· Both front seats are power-adjustable, and the interior is trimmed in soft leather.· Here muted lights, soft leather, stained wood and anaesthetic chamber music prevailed.· Select shoes made of soft leather.
· On the landing a soft light shone into the dark from the corridor, as in memory.· The soft light of dusk was thinning, leaving trees and buildings blackened agalnst the evening sky.· His olive skin seemed to glint in the soft light of the hallway; the flat behind him was almost totally dark.· She took her place at his side again, and watched the exquisitely etched face in the soft light.· Street lights are not too bad because they don't shine directly into your face and only cast a fairly soft light.· The soft light of morning made rainbows through the crystals of the chandeliers.· As the seconds stretched into minutes so the advance of the soft light across the park unfolded beneath him.· A soft light glowed by the armchair.
· The production of renewable energy sources should also be promoted through grants, soft loans and fiscal incentives, the report concluded.· The funding packages-a mixture of soft loans, grants, scholarships and paid work on campus-vary.
· Suspecting the worst, editorial boards and other high-minded folks demand an end to soft money.· Is your toilet paper honestly the softest money can buy?· But they can give parties any amount of soft money.· In theory, soft money is supposed to be used only for generic party activities and not to support specific candidates.· And there is no limit on the size of soft money contributions.· Dole now backs a ban on PACs, soft money contributions and the use of dues to finance labor union donations.· I was sinking fast in the mire of soft money.· The study covered soft money gifts to the national, House and Senate committees of each major party.
· Just one proviso and it is one that everyone in our industry knows ... this business is no soft option.· And if anyone thinks this is a soft option - try a cliff-top route with a storm blowing.· Probation should in no sense be seen as a soft option by the judiciary.· It argued that these were not soft options but properly applied would be tough penalties which aided the battle to reduce crime.· So often in my life, where I've made a mistake, it has been by taking the soft option.· The soft option of imprisonment is not the answer!· Organisers deny it's a soft option.
· Very few people ever saw his softer side, and she was one of them.· Enamel, stone and silver combinations are the softer side of the trend.· Its natural habitat offers water that is on the soft side, slightly acidic and heavily vegetated.· Then, too, he had a softer side.· The wind is causing cheeky corners of the sheet to tickle the soft sides of her tummy.· Raging fury from a new young band that sometimes reveals its soft side.· It was a defence mechanism her softer side needed at times.· Pin, tack then machine the soft side of touch-and-close fastener over the raw edges.
· Whatever caused the extinction, it is not soft skin that determined survival.· His belt buckle was digging into the soft skin of her stomach and she moved agitatedly, unconsciously provocative.· Kissed the soft skin of her face?· She has smooth, soft skin which glows softly as though a candle were just below the surface.· The soft skin on the armpits and inner thighs was covered in huge, raw blisters.
· He had a soft spot for Roy, the same as he did for Benny.· The length of the piece tends to display the soft spots of dystopian fiction: plot improbabilities, claustrophobic metaphors.· Below: The Teddy Robber has a soft spot for cuddly toys.· To find your soft spots, read the following rules and determine which ones you consistently break.· Chub I have a very soft spot in my heart for chub.· Most recently, Matt identified soft spots in our proposals including old and irrelevant information.· She had a soft spot for Jimmy.· Smart, alert, good hands, finds the soft spots.
· First, an overwhelming urge to find a market researcher and kick him or her hard on a soft target area.· First, Barak was no soft target.
· X-rays don't reveal much, either, since the inflammation lies in the soft tissues and not in the joints.· The same laser already is approved for surgery on soft tissue, such as gum surgery for periodontal disease.· The radio waves, magnetic field and computer technology combine to produce vivid images of the body's soft tissue.· These include the development of tetany and the deposition of calcium phosphate in soft tissues.· The only three-dimensional fossil of a dinosaur's soft tissue was unearthed here in the 90s.· The Bulls' forward has been suffering from a soft tissue injury on the bottom of his left foot.· Tumours contain a relatively high water content and therefore have a relatively long T1 and T2 compared with normal soft tissue.· There is just one problem: brains are part of the soft tissue of the body and so do not survive fossilization.
· Middlesbrough showed a resilience that emphasised they are no longer a soft touch on their travels.· And he knew I was a soft touch, that I did most of the housework so he could be free.· Cool for Cats at Stennis Head - a soft touch E15b.· He was the softest touch in the world.· Terry was such a soft touch.· And everybody should wonder why land speculators consider Oro Valley a much softer touch when they need a rezoning.· But Irina was no soft touch.· Artisans needed more than just fertile imaginations and a soft touch with a trowel to bring their work to life.
· And don't pile soft toys in the cot.· She is also well known locally for the soft toys she makes for various charities.· Suppose it has tried to promote a special line of soft toys by selling them next to infants' clothes.· The couple are pictured with some of the more than 1,000 soft toys they received from wellwishers after their son's death.· Do you know she's still got two shelves full of soft toys?· Their range includes a fine, natural Kapok which makes an ideal filling for soft toys and other items.
· He scarcely heard her soft voice going on about paraffin heaters and electrical wall fans.· The check was being prepared, he said in a soft voice.· The softer voices of some of the country's most accomplished actresses were at the bottom of the charts.· With her soft voice and her calm exterior, she absolutely would not let creditors off the hook.· Jahsaxa's friends politely praised hir appearance, asking flattering questions in soft voices, always smiling.· Mrs Sano has a quiet, moonlike beauty and a soft voice that makes you want to listen.· There were soft voices coming from inside.
· Ideally soft water, especially rain-water.· It requires soft water and some shade.· Quick tip Want soft water for your fish?· Very soft water produces excellent specimens.· Water condition: Very soft water with slight acidity.· If you keep soft water fish you would need to test for general hardness.· Very soft water is not suitable, as there is not enough dissolved calcium carbonate, the main material of the shell.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- The funding packages-a mixture of soft loans, grants, scholarships and paid work on campus-vary.
- The production of renewable energy sources should also be promoted through grants, soft loans and fiscal incentives, the report concluded.
- But they can give parties any amount of soft money.
- By 1996, a total of $ 250 million in soft money had been given to the two parties.
- Dole now backs a ban on PACs, soft money contributions and the use of dues to finance labor union donations.
- I was sinking fast in the mire of soft money.
- Is your toilet paper honestly the softest money can buy?
- Of the soft money total, $ 2, 357, 259 went to the Republican party.
- The study covered soft money gifts to the national, House and Senate committees of each major party.
- Although I have a soft spot for him after his super-game Hennessy win, he does not appeal greatly as 7-2 favourite.
- I do have a soft spot for Britain's best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta.
- The reason why I have a soft spot for this notebook, he wrote.
- Brad knew I was a soft touch.
- Negotiators will need a soft touch and strong nerves.
- And he knew I was a soft touch, that I did most of the housework so he could be free.
- Artisans needed more than just fertile imaginations and a soft touch with a trowel to bring their work to life.
- Cool for Cats at Stennis Head - a soft touch E15b.
- Leeds are a soft touch when it comes to transfers.
- Middlesbrough showed a resilience that emphasised they are no longer a soft touch on their travels.
- My client was a soft touch.
- Next to it goes a soft touch 6a, Cocoluche, which has an easily avoidable 6b section.
- Terry was such a soft touch.
- I think the old woman's going soft in the head.
- She might be soft in the head about everything else, but never about money.
- You're soft in the head.
- But fathers are soft on daughters.
- He was coming up for reelection in Idaho and his opposition charged that he was soft on Communism.
- Made from strong, stretchy material that was soft on skin.
- And he knew I was a soft touch, that I did most of the housework so he could be free.
- Artisans needed more than just fertile imaginations and a soft touch with a trowel to bring their work to life.
- Cool for Cats at Stennis Head - a soft touch E15b.
- Leeds are a soft touch when it comes to transfers.
- Middlesbrough showed a resilience that emphasised they are no longer a soft touch on their travels.
- My client was a soft touch.
- Next to it goes a soft touch 6a, Cocoluche, which has an easily avoidable 6b section.
- Terry was such a soft touch.
WORD FAMILYnounsoftnesssoftenersoftie/softyadjectivesoftverbsoftenadverbsoftly
1not hard a)not hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press OPP hard: My feet sank into the soft ground. the softest sofa and pillows Cook the onions until they go soft. b)less hard than average OPP hard: a soft lead pencil soft cheese2not rough having a surface that is smooth and pleasant to touch OPP rough: a baby’s soft skin The fur was soft to the touch.3not loud a soft sound or voice, or soft music, is quiet and pleasant to listen to OPP loud, harsh: soft music His voice was softer now.► see thesaurus at quiet4colour/light [only before noun] soft colours or lights are pleasant and relaxing because they are not too bright OPP bright: All the stores will be re-fitted with softer lighting. a soft shade of peach► see thesaurus at colour5no hard edges not having any hard edges or sharp angles: soft curves6rain/wind gentle and without much force: a soft breeze soft rain7not strict someone who is soft seems weak because they are not strict enough with other people OPP strict, tough: If you appear to be soft, people take advantage of you.soft on No politician wants to seem soft on crime. Courts have been taking a soft line (=not being strict enough) with young offenders.8sensitive kind, gentle, and sympathetic to other people OPP hard: He has a soft heart beneath that cold exterior. a soft kiss9weak character not very brave and not having a strong character OPP hard: Don’t be soft – just jump!10sales/markets decreasing in price, value, or the amount sold: soft oil prices11soft loan/credit money that is lent at a lower interest rate than usual, because it will be used to help people in some way12soft money money that people, companies, or organizations give to political parties, rather than to a particular candidate13too easy informal a soft job, life etc is too easy and does not involve much work or hard physical work: Mike’s found himself a soft job in the stores.soft option British English (=a choice that allows you to avoid difficulties or hard work) Taking the soft option won’t help your career to develop.14weak body informal having a body that is not in a strong physical condition, because you do not do enough exercise: He’d got soft after all those years in a desk job.15water soft water does not contain many minerals, so that it forms bubbles from soap easily16have a soft spot for somebody to continue to like someone even when they do not behave well: She’s always had a soft spot for Grant.17a soft touch informal someone from whom you can easily get what you want, because they are kind or easy to deceive18soft in the head old-fashioned very stupid or crazy19stupid British English stupid or silly: You must be soft if you think I’ll give you fifty quid!20be soft on somebody old-fashioned to be sexually attracted to someone21consonants technical not sounding hard: a soft g—softly adverb: She stroked his head softly. Music played softly in the background.—softness noun [uncountable]THESAURUSsoft not hard, firm, or stiff, but easy to press: · a soft mattress· Her skin was lovely and soft.· soft groundtender used about meat or vegetables that are soft and easy to cut, especially because they have been well cooked: · The beef was very tender.· Cook the carrots until tender.soggy very wet and too soft, in a way that seems unpleasant – used about bread, vegetables, and the ground: · soggy cabbage· a piece of soggy bread· The ground was too soggy to walk on.squishy soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about soft wet ground which makes a noise when you walk on it: · squishy tomatoes· The leaves were squishy under our feet.squashy British English soft and easy to press – used especially about fruit that is too soft, and about chairs that are soft and comfortable: · The peaches have gone all squashy.· a big squashy sofamushy used about fruit or vegetables that are very soft, wet, and unpleasant, because they are not fresh or have been cooked for too long: · mushy pieces of banana· a few mushy carrotsspongy soft and full of holes that contain air or liquid like a sponge: · a spongy foam· a spongy loaf· His boots sank into the spongy soil.springy used about something that is soft and comes back to its normal shape after being pressed or walked on: · springy turf (=grass)· Her hair felt lovely and springy.pliable /ˈplaɪəbəl/ used about a material or substance that can be bent or pressed without breaking or cracking: · The clay was still pliable and not too dry.yielding literary used about a surface which is soft and will bend when you press it: · yielding fleshCOLLOCATIONS CHECKtender meat/vegetablessoggy ground/bread/vegetables/papersquishy fruit/groundsquashy fruit/chairmushy fruit/vegetablesspongy ground/texture/foam/loafspringy hair/turf/carpetpliable material/clay