SOFTENS

Verb

softens

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of soften

Source: Wiktionary


SOFTEN

Sof"ten, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Softened; p. pr. & vb. n. Softening.]

Definition: To make soft or more soft. Specifically: -- (a) To render less hard; -- said of matter. Their arrow's point they soften in the flame. Gay.

(b) To mollify; to make less fierce or intractable. Diffidence conciliates the proud, and softens the severe. Rambler.

(c) To palliate; to represent as less enormous; as, to soften a fault. (d) To compose; to mitigate; to assuage. Music can soften pain to ease. Pope. (e) To make calm and placid. All that cheers or softens life. Pope.

(f) To make less harsh, less rude, less offensive, or less violent, or to render of an opposite quality. He bore his great commision in his look, But tempered awe, and softened all he spoke. Dryden.

(g) To make less glaring; to tone down; as, to soften the coloring of a picture. (h) To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate; as, troops softened by luxury. (i) To make less harsh or grating, or of a quality the opposite; as, to soften the voice.

Sof"ten, v. i.

Definition: To become soft or softened, or less rude, harsh, severe, or obdurate.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

2 April 2025

COVERT

(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

Plain brewed coffee contains almost no calories, while coffee with dairy products, sugar, and other flavorings is much higher in calories. An espresso has 20 calories. A nonfat latte has 72, while a flavored one has 134.

coffee icon