soften

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soften" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to making something less severe, harsh, or intense, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "To improve the flavor of the dish, you may want to soften the spices with a bit of cream."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At a stroke, this would make the implied cuts for non-protected departments and welfare slightly more plausible (if still very severe), mark an 'end to austerity' by the middle of the parliament and soften (at the margins) the pressure on the Bank to keep monetary policy on the floor".

The Guardian

There is no way to soften the blow that Neymar's injury represents for Brazil's hopes at this World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Cook on a low, slow heat for a few minutes to soften the onions and take the raw edge off the garlic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Writing these kind of letters, as he has done now for decades, he manages to soften even the most brazen demand.

The Guardian

But Sturgeon appeared to soften the SNP's recently very hardline position on opposing Trident's renewal by implying again that no explicit promise was needed from Labour to win SNP backing on other topics.

The Guardian

And yet the calf did appear to soften what Cockerell calls Thatcher's "ferocious" image at the time: the Conservatives won the election, as well as virtually every seat in East Anglia.

The Guardian

It's a shame, though, that Sawers wasn't on hand to soften the flogging BP received from US courts after its Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 that killed 11 people.

The Guardian - Business

McManus wrote that soldiers were upset that a bombing barrage expected to soften the way for the invasion had done almost nothing; the bombs were dropped too far inland.

The Guardian

Hierarchies soften, but cannot react effectively to the rise of networks.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is feasible that the opinion of Williams and her neighbours may soften.

The Guardian

Sauté for five minutes until it starts to soften.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "soften" in a culinary context, specify the method (e.g., "sauté to soften onions") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "soften" excessively in metaphorical contexts; consider stronger, more precise verbs like "mitigate", "alleviate", or "temper" to convey nuanced meanings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "soften" is as a transitive or intransitive verb. It describes the action of making something less hard, intense, or severe. Ludwig indicates that this verb is commonly used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis, supported by Ludwig, confirms that "soften" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb. It serves to describe the act of diminishing the intensity or severity of something, applicable in both literal and figurative senses. Found across varied contexts, including news, lifestyle, and business, "soften" maintains a neutral register. The examples highlight its versatility, while the related phrases provide useful alternatives for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alleviate

Refers to making suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

mitigate

Implies reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

lessen

Suggests a decrease in size, amount, intensity, or degree.

temper

Means to moderate or soften something, often by adding something else.

cushion

Indicates protecting someone or something from the worst effects of a bad situation.

moderate

Suggests reducing the intensity or extremity of something.

weaken

Refers to making something less strong or effective.

tone down

Means to make something less forceful or offensive.

mollify

Implies appeasing someone's anger or anxiety.

defuse

Suggests reducing tension or hostility in a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "soften" in a sentence?

You can use "soften" to describe making something less harsh or intense, as in "The government tried to soften the impact of the new tax laws".

What are some synonyms for "soften"?

Alternatives to "soften" include "alleviate", "mitigate", or "lessen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "soften" when describing a person's attitude?

Yes, you can use "soften" to describe a change in someone's attitude, such as "His harsh words began to soften as he listened to their story".

What does it mean to "soften the blow"?

To "soften the blow" means to make bad news or a difficult situation easier to accept or deal with. For example, "The company offered severance packages to soften the blow of the layoffs".