verb to make or become less hard or severe
adverb softly
In cooking, soften often refers to the process of making something tender by applying heat or moisture, such as softening butter before baking.
In communication, soften is used to describe the act of making a statement or feedback less harsh or direct, often to avoid causing offense or conflict.
In emotional contexts, soften can refer to the act of becoming less harsh or intense, such as softening one's tone or attitude towards someone.
In fabric care, soften is used to describe the process of making fabrics or clothing feel softer to the touch, often through the use of fabric softeners.
In a professional context, 'soften' may be used by writers to describe the act of making language or tone less harsh or more gentle in order to appeal to a broader audience or evoke a specific emotion.
Psychologists may use the term 'soften' when referring to the process of helping clients approach difficult or painful emotions in a more gentle or compassionate way in therapy sessions.