soften

English

/ˈsɒfən/, /ˈsɔfən/, /ˈsɑfən/

verb
Definitions
  • (transitive) To make something soft or softer.
  • (transitive) To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
  • (transitive) To make less harsh
  • (intransitive) To become soft or softer

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English softenen suffix from English soft.

Origin

English

soft

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms