soft
adjective /sɒft/
/sɔːft/
(comparative softer, superlative softest)
Idioms - changing shape easily when pressed; not stiff or hard
- soft margarine
- soft feather pillows
- The grass was soft and springy.
- They lay down on the soft sand.
- These tomatoes have gone all soft.
- The ground was soft and dry.
- When the onion becomes soft, season with salt and pepper.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- feel
- look
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- less hard than average
- soft rocks such as limestone
- soft corals
- soft cheeses
- the soft palate
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- feel
- look
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- smooth and pleasant to touch
- soft skin
- a dress made from the finest, softest silk
- The fabric has a beautifully soft texture.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- be
- feel
- look
- …
- extremely
- fairly
- very
- …
- not having sharp angles or hard edges
- This season's fashions focus on warm tones and soft lines.
- The moon's pale light cast soft shadows.
- [usually before noun] not too bright, in a way that is pleasant and relaxing to the eyes
- a soft pink
- the soft glow of candlelight
Extra ExamplesTopics Colours and Shapesc1- The paint needs to be thinned in order to obtain softer tones.
- The roofs shone in the soft evening light.
- Soft lighting is often used by restaurants to create atmosphere.
- not strong or violent synonym light
- A soft breeze rustled the trees.
- not loud, and usually pleasant and gentle synonym quiet
- He chose some soft background music and lit the candles.
- She had a soft voice and a kind face.
- kind and showing sympathy; easily affected by other people’s pain and problems
- Julia's soft heart was touched by his grief.
- (usually disapproving) not strict or severe; not strict or severe enough synonym lenient
- soft (on somebody/something) The government is not becoming soft on crime.
- soft (with somebody) If you're too soft with these kids they'll never respect you.
- Critics say that this soft approach to truancy has failed.
- (informal, disapproving) stupid or crazy
- He must be going soft in the head.
- (informal, disapproving) not brave enough; wanting to be safe and comfortable
- Stay in a hotel? Don't be so soft. I want to camp out under the stars.
- (disapproving) not involving much work; too easy and comfortable
- They had got too used to the soft life at home.
- not containing mineral salts and therefore good for washing
- You won't need much soap—the water here is very soft.
- not alcoholic
- soft beverages
- ‘What would you like to drink?’ ‘Oh, something soft—I'm driving.’
- (phonetics) not sounding hard, for example ‘c’ in city and ‘g’ in general opposite hard
not hard
not rough
without angles/edges
light/colours
rain/wind
sounds
kind
not strict
crazy
not brave/tough enough
too easy
water
drink
consonants
Word OriginOld English sōfte ‘agreeable, calm, gentle’, of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch zacht and German sanft.
Idioms
have a soft spot for somebody/something
(also Indian English have a soft corner for somebody/something)
- (informal) to like somebody/something
- She's always had a soft spot for you.
a soft/an easy touch
- (informal) a person that you can easily persuade to do something, especially to give you money
- Unfortunately, my father is no soft touch.
a/an/the soft/easy option
- (often disapproving) a choice that is thought to be easier because it involves less effort, difficulty, etc.
- They are anxious that the new course should not be seen as a soft option.
- He decided to take the soft option and give them what they wanted.