Soft
/sɒft/
Definitions
4 meaningsEasily yielding to pressure; not hard or firm to the touch; gentle.
/sɒft/
Gentle to the touch or pressure.
The blanket was soft and warm.
💡 Simply: Imagine a fluffy pillow or a warm blanket. Something soft feels nice to touch and is not hard.
👶 For kids: Soft means it feels gentle, like a teddy bear!
More Examples
He used a soft brush to paint the picture.
The soft breeze rustled the leaves.
The ground was soft after the rain.
How It's Used
"The baby's skin was incredibly soft."
"She loved the soft texture of the cashmere scarf."
Not harsh or loud; gentle.
/sɒft/
Not harsh or loud.
The soft music filled the room.
💡 Simply: Picture a quiet sound, like a whisper or the gentle music of a lullaby. Soft sounds are easy on your ears.
👶 For kids: Soft can also mean quiet, like a whisper.
More Examples
She spoke in a soft voice.
The artist used soft colors.
The soft glow of the lamp created a cozy atmosphere.
How It's Used
"The music had a soft, calming melody."
"She spoke in a soft voice."
Not strict or severe; lenient.
/sɒft/
Not strict or demanding.
The teacher was soft on the students.
💡 Simply: Imagine a teacher who isn't very strict, like one who gives you extra time to finish your homework. A soft approach means being kind and easygoing.
👶 For kids: Soft can mean not very strict, like your parents letting you stay up a little later.
More Examples
He preferred a soft approach in negotiations.
She had a soft heart and couldn't say no.
They took a soft line on the new law.
How It's Used
"He was known for his soft approach to discipline."
"The company advocated for a soft stance on environmental regulations."
To make or become soft or softer; to reduce the harshness or severity of.
/sɒft/
To make something less rigid or more yielding.
She softened the butter.
💡 Simply: Picture melting ice cream or heating up butter to make it spreadable. You're making something soft.
👶 For kids: Softening something means making it easier to squish or bend.
More Examples
The rain softened the ground.
They tried to soften his anger.
The company softened its stance on the policy.
How It's Used
"She softened the butter before baking the cake."
"The company sought to soften the impact of layoffs on its employees."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
soft spot
A particular fondness or affection for someone or something.
"She has a soft spot for stray animals."
go soft
To become weak, ineffectual, or indulgent; lose one's resolve.
"He went soft on his training after the injury."
From Old English *softe*, *sōfte* meaning 'gentle, mild, easy'. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *samftaz*.
The word 'soft' has been used in English since Old English times and has evolved to encompass various meanings relating to physical texture, sound, and temperament.
Memory tip
Think of a kitten's fur - soft and gentle.
Word Origin
"gentle, mild, easy"