soft

/sɒft/
adjectiveBeginner
general

Having a smooth, yielding surface or consistency

She preferred soft pillows for better sleep.

She liked pillows that were gentle and comfortable.

💡

Often used to describe textures that are pleasant to the touch.

general

Not harsh or severe in tone or manner

He spoke in a soft voice to calm the child.

He used a gentle tone to soothe the child.

💡

Can describe sounds, lights, or even emotions.

general

Easily influenced or persuaded

The government took a soft stance on the issue.

The government adopted a lenient approach to the problem.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe attitudes or policies.

Collocations

soft lightgentle, diffused lightsoft skillsinterpersonal and communication abilitiessoft drinka non-alcoholic beverage

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

soft spotphrase
a place or person that one is particularly fond of
soft powerphrase
the ability to influence others through attraction rather than coercion

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'soft' changes based on context—physical touch, sound, or abstract ideas.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'soft' is versatile, ensure it fits the context to avoid ambiguity.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'softe,' from Old English 'sōfte,' from Proto-Germanic 'samftaz,' meaning 'gentle, mild.'

📝Usage Notes

Can describe physical textures, sounds, emotions, or abstract concepts like policies or attitudes.

Word Breakdown

soft
gentle or yielding
root
English Dictionary