v [I and T]alsosoften upto become less hard or rough, or make something less hard or rough
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harden Use moisturizer to soften your skin. Cook until the onion softens.if your attitude softens, or if something softens it, it becomes less strict and more sympathetic
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harden The government has softened its stance on public spending.soften towards I felt that he was beginning to soften towards me.to make the effect of something seem less unpleasant or severe, or to become less unpleasant or severe
soften the blow/impact The impact of the tax was softened by large tax-free allowances.if your expression or voice softens, or if something softens it, you look or sound kinder and more gentle
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harden His voice softened as he spoke to her.to make the shape or colour of something look less severe
Climbing plants soften the outline of a fence.soften up [soften sb/sth⇔up]
phr vinformal to be nice to someone before you ask them to do something, so that they will agree to help you
She was just softening me up.to make an enemy weaker so that they are easier to attack
Use artillery to soften up the enemy forces.to make something less hard or rough