softening

Definition of softening in English English dictionary: having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin; The treatment of man-made fibres (yarns and flocks) with soap solutions, emulsions or synthetic special products to increase their flexibility, improve their feel, to achieve a more favourable degree of smoothness for the further processing and a better appearance of the finished product; the process of becoming softer; "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"; "he observed the softening of iron by heat"; the process of becoming softer; "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"; "he observed the softening of iron by heat; present participle of soften; {i} act of making soft; process of becoming soft; from Soften, v; the removal of hardnesscalcium and magnesiumfrom water; The removal of divalent cations by precipitation or ion exchange
softening up: Present participle of soften up
softening of the brain: encephalomalacia; celebral softening; dementia connected to general paresis
softening salt: additive for dishwashers which helps removes minerals from hard water
soften: To make something soft or softer
Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
soften: To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up)
Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.
water softening: The removal of calcium and magnesium ions from water, or their replacement with sodium, either by chemical reaction or by ion exchange
soften: {v} to make soft or easy, lessen, relent
soften: make soft or softer; "This liquid will soften your laundry"
soften: To palliate; to represent as less enormous; as, to soften a fault
soften: To make less harsh, less rude, less offensive, or less violent, or to render of an opposite quality
soften: To compose; to mitigate; to assuage
soften: If you soften something or if it softens, it becomes less hard, stiff, or firm. Soften the butter mixture in a small saucepan Fry for about 4 minutes, until the onion has softened
soften: If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe. There were also pledges to soften the impact of the subsidy cuts on the poorer regions. He could not think how to soften the blow of what he had to tell her
soften: To render less hard; said of matter
soften: To mollify; to make less fierce or intractable
soften: Something that softens your skin makes it very smooth and pleasant to touch. products designed to moisturize and soften the skin
soften: give in, as to influence or pressure
soften: To become soft or softer
soften: To make less glaring; to tone down; as, to soften the coloring of a picture
soften: If your voice or expression softens or if you soften it, it becomes much more gentle and friendly. All at once, Mick's serious expression softened into a grin She did not smile or soften her voice
soften: make (images or sounds) soft or softer
soften: In relation to water, it is the removal of water hardness The pre - softening of water to be used in a swimming pool is not recommended
soften: To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate; as, troops softened by luxury
soften: protect from impact; "cushion the blow"
soften: If you soften your position, if your position softens, or if you soften, you become more sympathetic and less hostile or critical towards someone or something. The letter shows no sign that the Americans have softened their position His party's policy has softened a lot in recent years Livy felt herself soften towards Caroline. harden
soften: To make less harsh or grating, or of a quality the opposite; as, to soften the voice
soften: {f} make soft; become soft; alleviate, soothe, calm
soften: If you soften something such as light, a colour, or a sound, you make it less bright or harsh. Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers
soften: To make less harsh
soften: To become soft or softened, or less rude, harsh, severe, or obdurate
soften: To make soft or more soft
soften: lessen in force or effect; "soften a shock"; "break a fall"
soften: become soft or softer; "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it" make soft or softer; "This liquid will soften your laundry" make (images or sounds) soft or softer
soften: become soft or softer; "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it"
soften: The process of a slowly declining market price
soften: make less severe or harsh; "He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears"