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soft
/sɒft/
gentle or yielding to touch
The blanket was soft and warm.
The blanket felt gentle and comfortable to touch.
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
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary