Definition of soften in English:

soften

verb ˈsɒf(ə)nˈsɔfən

1Make or become soft or softer.
使软化；使变软
with object plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin
用来软化湿润皮肤的植物提取物。
no object let the vegetables soften over a low heat
让蔬菜在低热下变软一点。
Example sentencesExamples
- Let stand until softened; then remove with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil.
- It offers a rich, creamy lather that will invigorate, moisturize and soften your hair.
- Soak these leaves for five minutes in hot water to soften them.
- Watch it carefully to see when it begins to soften, then immediately remove the heat and scrape the adhesive off with a putty knife.
- Cooking softens the hemicellulose of vegetables, allowing the nutrients that are present in the food to be more accessible for digestion.
- Sodium hydroxide is a caustic type of chemical that actually softens hair fibers.
- When the vegetables have softened, add all the peas and stir them well into the vegetable mix.
- Add onion, ginger and garlic and stir until onion is softened using low to medium heat.
- If you are not satisfied with some part of the product, you only need to sprinkle a little water to soften the clay.
- Meanwhile, he'll dip the bun in water, letting it soften before consuming it.
- Before planting, soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften and speed germination.
- Apply the solution to the brick; allow it to soften paint; and remove with scraper and stiff bristle brush.
- If the chocolate starts to firm, soften over the heated water again.
- Set aside for 10 minutes for the flavours to marry and the vegetables to soften.
- The industry was a major contributor to the city's wealth, with whale oil mixed with water being used to soften jute so it could be woven.
- While the fruit is softening, boil up the pips to extract their pectin, and strain their juice into the pan while still hot (it will turn to jelly if allowed to cool).
- These are products which can prevent drying of the skin, thereby moisturizing and softening the skin.
- Put the butter in a large pan on a low heat and soften any vegetables you decided to toss in.
- When the oil is hot, add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- If you are using leaf gelatin, put the sheets in cold water to soften.
1. 1.1with object (of a market, currency, or commodity) fall in value.
  （市场、货币或商品）贬值
  the share price has softened recently
  最近股票价格已贬值了。
  rents have softened in out-of-town locations
  sales could soften if the economy turns down
  Example sentencesExamples
  Member countries cannot revert to tax cuts or fiscal easing to soften the impact of the strong euro on their big exporters.
  The continuing appetite for such products, says Harris, should soften the economic impact of the current sharp drop in business-technology investment.
  Owners of gold in any form might consider buying a quantity of short funds to soften the tremendous volatility of gold.
  We require investors to prove the reliability of their rental income as some rental incomes have softened in areas where we have seen numerous developments.
  Crawshaw believes these investors are prepared to ride out a softening market.
  In line with its acceptance of the international strategy for the Second UN Development Decade, the Federal Republic has drastically softened its capital loans policy.
  Retail sales in Australia have softened off a bit, and that was evident in the most recent figures released for July today.
  However, house prices will not keep rising by 20 % a year, and have already begun to soften.
  Many cities with a high proportion of college graduates also have expensive homes, even with the softening real estate market.
  We, along with the rest of the industry, experienced a decline in higher-yielding business travel due to the impact of the softening U.S. economy.
2Make or become less severe.
使软化；使变软
with object a major injection of private cash could soften the blow for the taxpayer
私人现金的大量注入可能会缓和对纳税人的打击。
no object her expression softened at the sight of Diane's white face
看到黛安苍白的脸，她的表情缓和了下来。
Example sentencesExamples
- He immediately looked up from his maps, his expression softening as he looked up at her.
- ‘We couldn't leave,’ explained Taiyo, her voice softening and her expression falling.
- He also looked exceedingly miserable, an expression which softened only in the slightest at the sight of the coffee.
- When you think loving thoughts your expression softens and your baby will notice your loving looks.
- Christopher turned away and ascended the stairs, his expression softening to a different smile as the door opened to reveal Sara's bright face and slender form.
- Then she looked back to Christopher, her expression softening.
- Harriette's expression of resolve softened, and she reached out and cupped Marguerite's chin in a motherly fashion.
- Something sharp and dangerous transformed his face, his expression going from that of a parent trying to soften a blow to a dark anger.
- Jessica's stony expression softens and she stares at the ground for a moment.
- However, at his crestfallen expression, her eyes softened.
- Mack admitted, his face softening into a vulnerable expression.
- Better to wait until bubbles burst and manage the consequences, softening the economic blow by loosening monetary policy very quickly.
- Maura's expression softened as she leaned closer to him.
- Upon seeing Aerin's face, his own expression and tone softened.
- His expression softened and his hand was still extended to her, ‘My name's Adam.’
- These interviews make a powerful case that we need to soften the blows that often come with economic changes, even if such changes are inevitable.
- Louis turned around swiftly, his hard dangerous expression softening slightly at her poor sight.
- Her expression immediately softened at the sight of me but turned hard once more after spotting the Old English sheepdog.
- The combination lets people have it both ways: The foam keeps the cushion upright and helps it hold its shape, while the down makes a comfortable seat and softens the severe line of the foam.
- The expression on his face softened as he watched her.
Synonyms
alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, take the edge off, assuage, allay, dull, cushion, lessen, moderate, temper, mitigate, palliate, diminish, decrease, blunt, deaden, abate, tone down
rare lenify
die down, abate, subside, moderate, let up, calm down, lessen, grow less, decrease, diminish, slacken, dwindle, weaken
1. 2.1with object Undermine the resistance of (someone)
  削弱（某人）的抵抗
  the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender
  封锁看起来是削弱他们抵抗使之最终投降的一个更好的武器。
  Example sentencesExamples
  The bombing raid we were victims of was just to soften us up.
  He realizes that his leave has softened him, and that he is about to fall apart.
  He simply figured their time apart had softened her a little.
  Affection for my sister softened me and my shoulders slumped.
  Think, too, about how a peaceful gesture in the midst of a time of conflict can help defuse tension and soften someone's heart.
  After softening you up, they drag you en masse to the door.
  I have a feeling they will try and soften us up with artillery before they attack again.
  This altruism softened the character enough to make him watchable, but he remained someone you would never wish to meet.
  It's like reverse psychology - soften the opponent up on defense and you'll distract him from doing what he wants on offense.
  If writing to ask for extra money, he would sometimes include a mathematical theorem for possible use in exams to soften his father up.
  These folks are his friends, after all; they'll heed his call, possibly after he's softened them up with flattery.
  Despite his ill temper, however, every day that he spends in the calm atmosphere of the peaceful village seems to soften him.
  After a few glasses of wine to soften him up, she began her pitch.
  He has softened him up and now he moves to place his Knight on a better square.
  You will not soften us up by telling us the problems.
  This will soften Garcia without making him feel threatened.
  Except I do want to point out that she's fallen for him, and when one does that, it softens the person, you know?
  Amy's gaze and touch seemed to be successful in softening David.
  We're hoping that maybe you can soften him just enough that he will tell us at least something of what we need to know.
  Only his tears, his breakdown, had softened his mother, who had spoken to his father.
  Synonyms
  weaken, undermine someone's resistance, reduce someone's defensive capability
3with object Remove mineral salts from (water).
软化（水），从（水）中除去无机盐
Example sentencesExamples
- Hard water can be softened with the addition of a handful of washing soda (available from supermarkets) to the wash and rinse cycles.
- Observations have shown increased copper levels in water softened with ion exchange water softeners.
- Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet.
- This softens the water a little and is fine because of the tap water I have.
- We decided to only soften the water that would be heated, since there were no other quality issues with hardness in the cold tap water.
- Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process.
- Water softeners are sometimes a hidden source of sodium in your water at home - although cold water often isn't softened.
- But what you should try and find out about is what kind of agents have been added to harden or soften the tap water, as it affects the taste.
- The most common way to soften household water is to use a water softener.
- The higher the concentration of these minerals, the more sodium needed to soften the water.
- To soften the water, the maid Kikuno would enter the tub first to ‘massage or knead the water’.
- The vinegar in this formula will help to remove stains, odors and soften the water.

Rhymes

often

Definition of soften in US English:

soften

verbˈsôfənˈsɔfən

1Make or become less hard.
使软化；使变软
with object plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin
用来软化湿润皮肤的植物提取物。
no object let the vegetables soften over a low heat
让蔬菜在低热下变软一点。
Example sentencesExamples
- When the vegetables have softened, add all the peas and stir them well into the vegetable mix.
- These are products which can prevent drying of the skin, thereby moisturizing and softening the skin.
- It offers a rich, creamy lather that will invigorate, moisturize and soften your hair.
- If you are using leaf gelatin, put the sheets in cold water to soften.
- The industry was a major contributor to the city's wealth, with whale oil mixed with water being used to soften jute so it could be woven.
- Let stand until softened; then remove with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil.
- If you are not satisfied with some part of the product, you only need to sprinkle a little water to soften the clay.
- Set aside for 10 minutes for the flavours to marry and the vegetables to soften.
- Soak these leaves for five minutes in hot water to soften them.
- Before planting, soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften and speed germination.
- Apply the solution to the brick; allow it to soften paint; and remove with scraper and stiff bristle brush.
- When the oil is hot, add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, he'll dip the bun in water, letting it soften before consuming it.
- Watch it carefully to see when it begins to soften, then immediately remove the heat and scrape the adhesive off with a putty knife.
- While the fruit is softening, boil up the pips to extract their pectin, and strain their juice into the pan while still hot (it will turn to jelly if allowed to cool).
- Put the butter in a large pan on a low heat and soften any vegetables you decided to toss in.
- Cooking softens the hemicellulose of vegetables, allowing the nutrients that are present in the food to be more accessible for digestion.
- If the chocolate starts to firm, soften over the heated water again.
- Sodium hydroxide is a caustic type of chemical that actually softens hair fibers.
- Add onion, ginger and garlic and stir until onion is softened using low to medium heat.
1. 1.1with object (of a market, currency, or commodity) fall in value.
  （市场、货币或商品）贬值
  the share price has softened recently
  最近股票价格已贬值了。
  rents have softened in out-of-town locations
  sales could soften if the economy turns down
  Example sentencesExamples
  In line with its acceptance of the international strategy for the Second UN Development Decade, the Federal Republic has drastically softened its capital loans policy.
  We, along with the rest of the industry, experienced a decline in higher-yielding business travel due to the impact of the softening U.S. economy.
  Many cities with a high proportion of college graduates also have expensive homes, even with the softening real estate market.
  Owners of gold in any form might consider buying a quantity of short funds to soften the tremendous volatility of gold.
  Crawshaw believes these investors are prepared to ride out a softening market.
  Retail sales in Australia have softened off a bit, and that was evident in the most recent figures released for July today.
  Member countries cannot revert to tax cuts or fiscal easing to soften the impact of the strong euro on their big exporters.
  We require investors to prove the reliability of their rental income as some rental incomes have softened in areas where we have seen numerous developments.
  However, house prices will not keep rising by 20 % a year, and have already begun to soften.
  The continuing appetite for such products, says Harris, should soften the economic impact of the current sharp drop in business-technology investment.
2Make or become less severe.
使软化；使变软
no object her expression softened at the sight of Diane's white face
看到黛安苍白的脸，她的表情缓和了下来。
with object some Democrats tried to soften the blow by substituting a smaller cut in the property tax rate
Example sentencesExamples
- The combination lets people have it both ways: The foam keeps the cushion upright and helps it hold its shape, while the down makes a comfortable seat and softens the severe line of the foam.
- When you think loving thoughts your expression softens and your baby will notice your loving looks.
- Upon seeing Aerin's face, his own expression and tone softened.
- Mack admitted, his face softening into a vulnerable expression.
- However, at his crestfallen expression, her eyes softened.
- Then she looked back to Christopher, her expression softening.
- Better to wait until bubbles burst and manage the consequences, softening the economic blow by loosening monetary policy very quickly.
- Louis turned around swiftly, his hard dangerous expression softening slightly at her poor sight.
- ‘We couldn't leave,’ explained Taiyo, her voice softening and her expression falling.
- Christopher turned away and ascended the stairs, his expression softening to a different smile as the door opened to reveal Sara's bright face and slender form.
- Maura's expression softened as she leaned closer to him.
- These interviews make a powerful case that we need to soften the blows that often come with economic changes, even if such changes are inevitable.
- Jessica's stony expression softens and she stares at the ground for a moment.
- He also looked exceedingly miserable, an expression which softened only in the slightest at the sight of the coffee.
- He immediately looked up from his maps, his expression softening as he looked up at her.
- The expression on his face softened as he watched her.
- Something sharp and dangerous transformed his face, his expression going from that of a parent trying to soften a blow to a dark anger.
- Her expression immediately softened at the sight of me but turned hard once more after spotting the Old English sheepdog.
- Harriette's expression of resolve softened, and she reached out and cupped Marguerite's chin in a motherly fashion.
- His expression softened and his hand was still extended to her, ‘My name's Adam.’
Synonyms
alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, take the edge off, assuage, allay, dull, cushion, lessen, moderate, temper, mitigate, palliate, diminish, decrease, blunt, deaden, abate, tone down
die down, abate, subside, moderate, let up, calm down, lessen, grow less, decrease, diminish, slacken, dwindle, weaken
1. 2.1with object Undermine the resistance of (someone)
  削弱（某人）的抵抗
  the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender
  封锁看起来是削弱他们抵抗使之最终投降的一个更好的武器。
  Example sentencesExamples
  He simply figured their time apart had softened her a little.
  Despite his ill temper, however, every day that he spends in the calm atmosphere of the peaceful village seems to soften him.
  We're hoping that maybe you can soften him just enough that he will tell us at least something of what we need to know.
  The bombing raid we were victims of was just to soften us up.
  This will soften Garcia without making him feel threatened.
  Only his tears, his breakdown, had softened his mother, who had spoken to his father.
  These folks are his friends, after all; they'll heed his call, possibly after he's softened them up with flattery.
  I have a feeling they will try and soften us up with artillery before they attack again.
  He has softened him up and now he moves to place his Knight on a better square.
  After a few glasses of wine to soften him up, she began her pitch.
  Think, too, about how a peaceful gesture in the midst of a time of conflict can help defuse tension and soften someone's heart.
  Amy's gaze and touch seemed to be successful in softening David.
  If writing to ask for extra money, he would sometimes include a mathematical theorem for possible use in exams to soften his father up.
  Affection for my sister softened me and my shoulders slumped.
  Except I do want to point out that she's fallen for him, and when one does that, it softens the person, you know?
  After softening you up, they drag you en masse to the door.
  This altruism softened the character enough to make him watchable, but he remained someone you would never wish to meet.
  He realizes that his leave has softened him, and that he is about to fall apart.
  You will not soften us up by telling us the problems.
  It's like reverse psychology - soften the opponent up on defense and you'll distract him from doing what he wants on offense.
  Synonyms
  weaken, undermine someone's resistance, reduce someone's defensive capability
3with object Remove mineral salts from (water).
软化（水），从（水）中除去无机盐
Example sentencesExamples
- To soften the water, the maid Kikuno would enter the tub first to ‘massage or knead the water’.
- The most common way to soften household water is to use a water softener.
- The higher the concentration of these minerals, the more sodium needed to soften the water.
- But what you should try and find out about is what kind of agents have been added to harden or soften the tap water, as it affects the taste.
- This softens the water a little and is fine because of the tap water I have.
- Water softeners are sometimes a hidden source of sodium in your water at home - although cold water often isn't softened.
- We decided to only soften the water that would be heated, since there were no other quality issues with hardness in the cold tap water.
- Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process.
- Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet.
- Hard water can be softened with the addition of a handful of washing soda (available from supermarkets) to the wash and rinse cycles.
- The vinegar in this formula will help to remove stains, odors and soften the water.
- Observations have shown increased copper levels in water softened with ion exchange water softeners.

词汇	soften
释义	Definition of soften in English: soften verb ˈsɒf(ə)nˈsɔfən 1Make or become soft or softer. 使软化；使变软 with object plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin 用来软化湿润皮肤的植物提取物。 no object let the vegetables soften over a low heat 让蔬菜在低热下变软一点。 Example sentencesExamples Let stand until softened; then remove with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. It offers a rich, creamy lather that will invigorate, moisturize and soften your hair. Soak these leaves for five minutes in hot water to soften them. Watch it carefully to see when it begins to soften, then immediately remove the heat and scrape the adhesive off with a putty knife. Cooking softens the hemicellulose of vegetables, allowing the nutrients that are present in the food to be more accessible for digestion. Sodium hydroxide is a caustic type of chemical that actually softens hair fibers. When the vegetables have softened, add all the peas and stir them well into the vegetable mix. Add onion, ginger and garlic and stir until onion is softened using low to medium heat. If you are not satisfied with some part of the product, you only need to sprinkle a little water to soften the clay. Meanwhile, he'll dip the bun in water, letting it soften before consuming it. Before planting, soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften and speed germination. Apply the solution to the brick; allow it to soften paint; and remove with scraper and stiff bristle brush. If the chocolate starts to firm, soften over the heated water again. Set aside for 10 minutes for the flavours to marry and the vegetables to soften. The industry was a major contributor to the city's wealth, with whale oil mixed with water being used to soften jute so it could be woven. While the fruit is softening, boil up the pips to extract their pectin, and strain their juice into the pan while still hot (it will turn to jelly if allowed to cool). These are products which can prevent drying of the skin, thereby moisturizing and softening the skin. Put the butter in a large pan on a low heat and soften any vegetables you decided to toss in. When the oil is hot, add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. If you are using leaf gelatin, put the sheets in cold water to soften. 1.1with object (of a market, currency, or commodity) fall in value. （市场、货币或商品）贬值 the share price has softened recently 最近股票价格已贬值了。 rents have softened in out-of-town locations sales could soften if the economy turns down Example sentencesExamples Member countries cannot revert to tax cuts or fiscal easing to soften the impact of the strong euro on their big exporters. The continuing appetite for such products, says Harris, should soften the economic impact of the current sharp drop in business-technology investment. Owners of gold in any form might consider buying a quantity of short funds to soften the tremendous volatility of gold. We require investors to prove the reliability of their rental income as some rental incomes have softened in areas where we have seen numerous developments. Crawshaw believes these investors are prepared to ride out a softening market. In line with its acceptance of the international strategy for the Second UN Development Decade, the Federal Republic has drastically softened its capital loans policy. Retail sales in Australia have softened off a bit, and that was evident in the most recent figures released for July today. However, house prices will not keep rising by 20 % a year, and have already begun to soften. Many cities with a high proportion of college graduates also have expensive homes, even with the softening real estate market. We, along with the rest of the industry, experienced a decline in higher-yielding business travel due to the impact of the softening U.S. economy. 2Make or become less severe. 使软化；使变软 with object a major injection of private cash could soften the blow for the taxpayer 私人现金的大量注入可能会缓和对纳税人的打击。 no object her expression softened at the sight of Diane's white face 看到黛安苍白的脸，她的表情缓和了下来。 Example sentencesExamples He immediately looked up from his maps, his expression softening as he looked up at her. ‘We couldn't leave,’ explained Taiyo, her voice softening and her expression falling. He also looked exceedingly miserable, an expression which softened only in the slightest at the sight of the coffee. When you think loving thoughts your expression softens and your baby will notice your loving looks. Christopher turned away and ascended the stairs, his expression softening to a different smile as the door opened to reveal Sara's bright face and slender form. Then she looked back to Christopher, her expression softening. Harriette's expression of resolve softened, and she reached out and cupped Marguerite's chin in a motherly fashion. Something sharp and dangerous transformed his face, his expression going from that of a parent trying to soften a blow to a dark anger. Jessica's stony expression softens and she stares at the ground for a moment. However, at his crestfallen expression, her eyes softened. Mack admitted, his face softening into a vulnerable expression. Better to wait until bubbles burst and manage the consequences, softening the economic blow by loosening monetary policy very quickly. Maura's expression softened as she leaned closer to him. Upon seeing Aerin's face, his own expression and tone softened. His expression softened and his hand was still extended to her, ‘My name's Adam.’ These interviews make a powerful case that we need to soften the blows that often come with economic changes, even if such changes are inevitable. Louis turned around swiftly, his hard dangerous expression softening slightly at her poor sight. Her expression immediately softened at the sight of me but turned hard once more after spotting the Old English sheepdog. The combination lets people have it both ways: The foam keeps the cushion upright and helps it hold its shape, while the down makes a comfortable seat and softens the severe line of the foam. The expression on his face softened as he watched her. Synonyms alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, take the edge off, assuage, allay, dull, cushion, lessen, moderate, temper, mitigate, palliate, diminish, decrease, blunt, deaden, abate, tone down rare lenify die down, abate, subside, moderate, let up, calm down, lessen, grow less, decrease, diminish, slacken, dwindle, weaken 2.1with object Undermine the resistance of (someone) 削弱（某人）的抵抗 the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender 封锁看起来是削弱他们抵抗使之最终投降的一个更好的武器。 Example sentencesExamples The bombing raid we were victims of was just to soften us up. He realizes that his leave has softened him, and that he is about to fall apart. He simply figured their time apart had softened her a little. Affection for my sister softened me and my shoulders slumped. Think, too, about how a peaceful gesture in the midst of a time of conflict can help defuse tension and soften someone's heart. After softening you up, they drag you en masse to the door. I have a feeling they will try and soften us up with artillery before they attack again. This altruism softened the character enough to make him watchable, but he remained someone you would never wish to meet. It's like reverse psychology - soften the opponent up on defense and you'll distract him from doing what he wants on offense. If writing to ask for extra money, he would sometimes include a mathematical theorem for possible use in exams to soften his father up. These folks are his friends, after all; they'll heed his call, possibly after he's softened them up with flattery. Despite his ill temper, however, every day that he spends in the calm atmosphere of the peaceful village seems to soften him. After a few glasses of wine to soften him up, she began her pitch. He has softened him up and now he moves to place his Knight on a better square. You will not soften us up by telling us the problems. This will soften Garcia without making him feel threatened. Except I do want to point out that she's fallen for him, and when one does that, it softens the person, you know? Amy's gaze and touch seemed to be successful in softening David. We're hoping that maybe you can soften him just enough that he will tell us at least something of what we need to know. Only his tears, his breakdown, had softened his mother, who had spoken to his father. Synonyms weaken, undermine someone's resistance, reduce someone's defensive capability 3with object Remove mineral salts from (water). 软化（水），从（水）中除去无机盐 Example sentencesExamples Hard water can be softened with the addition of a handful of washing soda (available from supermarkets) to the wash and rinse cycles. Observations have shown increased copper levels in water softened with ion exchange water softeners. Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet. This softens the water a little and is fine because of the tap water I have. We decided to only soften the water that would be heated, since there were no other quality issues with hardness in the cold tap water. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. Water softeners are sometimes a hidden source of sodium in your water at home - although cold water often isn't softened. But what you should try and find out about is what kind of agents have been added to harden or soften the tap water, as it affects the taste. The most common way to soften household water is to use a water softener. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the more sodium needed to soften the water. To soften the water, the maid Kikuno would enter the tub first to ‘massage or knead the water’. The vinegar in this formula will help to remove stains, odors and soften the water. Rhymes often Definition of soften in US English: soften verbˈsôfənˈsɔfən 1Make or become less hard. 使软化；使变软 with object plant extracts to soften and moisturize the skin 用来软化湿润皮肤的植物提取物。 no object let the vegetables soften over a low heat 让蔬菜在低热下变软一点。 Example sentencesExamples When the vegetables have softened, add all the peas and stir them well into the vegetable mix. These are products which can prevent drying of the skin, thereby moisturizing and softening the skin. It offers a rich, creamy lather that will invigorate, moisturize and soften your hair. If you are using leaf gelatin, put the sheets in cold water to soften. The industry was a major contributor to the city's wealth, with whale oil mixed with water being used to soften jute so it could be woven. Let stand until softened; then remove with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil. If you are not satisfied with some part of the product, you only need to sprinkle a little water to soften the clay. Set aside for 10 minutes for the flavours to marry and the vegetables to soften. Soak these leaves for five minutes in hot water to soften them. Before planting, soak seeds overnight in warm water to soften and speed germination. Apply the solution to the brick; allow it to soften paint; and remove with scraper and stiff bristle brush. When the oil is hot, add the carrot and onion and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, he'll dip the bun in water, letting it soften before consuming it. Watch it carefully to see when it begins to soften, then immediately remove the heat and scrape the adhesive off with a putty knife. While the fruit is softening, boil up the pips to extract their pectin, and strain their juice into the pan while still hot (it will turn to jelly if allowed to cool). Put the butter in a large pan on a low heat and soften any vegetables you decided to toss in. Cooking softens the hemicellulose of vegetables, allowing the nutrients that are present in the food to be more accessible for digestion. If the chocolate starts to firm, soften over the heated water again. Sodium hydroxide is a caustic type of chemical that actually softens hair fibers. Add onion, ginger and garlic and stir until onion is softened using low to medium heat. 1.1with object (of a market, currency, or commodity) fall in value. （市场、货币或商品）贬值 the share price has softened recently 最近股票价格已贬值了。 rents have softened in out-of-town locations sales could soften if the economy turns down Example sentencesExamples In line with its acceptance of the international strategy for the Second UN Development Decade, the Federal Republic has drastically softened its capital loans policy. We, along with the rest of the industry, experienced a decline in higher-yielding business travel due to the impact of the softening U.S. economy. Many cities with a high proportion of college graduates also have expensive homes, even with the softening real estate market. Owners of gold in any form might consider buying a quantity of short funds to soften the tremendous volatility of gold. Crawshaw believes these investors are prepared to ride out a softening market. Retail sales in Australia have softened off a bit, and that was evident in the most recent figures released for July today. Member countries cannot revert to tax cuts or fiscal easing to soften the impact of the strong euro on their big exporters. We require investors to prove the reliability of their rental income as some rental incomes have softened in areas where we have seen numerous developments. However, house prices will not keep rising by 20 % a year, and have already begun to soften. The continuing appetite for such products, says Harris, should soften the economic impact of the current sharp drop in business-technology investment. 2Make or become less severe. 使软化；使变软 no object her expression softened at the sight of Diane's white face 看到黛安苍白的脸，她的表情缓和了下来。 with object some Democrats tried to soften the blow by substituting a smaller cut in the property tax rate Example sentencesExamples The combination lets people have it both ways: The foam keeps the cushion upright and helps it hold its shape, while the down makes a comfortable seat and softens the severe line of the foam. When you think loving thoughts your expression softens and your baby will notice your loving looks. Upon seeing Aerin's face, his own expression and tone softened. Mack admitted, his face softening into a vulnerable expression. However, at his crestfallen expression, her eyes softened. Then she looked back to Christopher, her expression softening. Better to wait until bubbles burst and manage the consequences, softening the economic blow by loosening monetary policy very quickly. Louis turned around swiftly, his hard dangerous expression softening slightly at her poor sight. ‘We couldn't leave,’ explained Taiyo, her voice softening and her expression falling. Christopher turned away and ascended the stairs, his expression softening to a different smile as the door opened to reveal Sara's bright face and slender form. Maura's expression softened as she leaned closer to him. These interviews make a powerful case that we need to soften the blows that often come with economic changes, even if such changes are inevitable. Jessica's stony expression softens and she stares at the ground for a moment. He also looked exceedingly miserable, an expression which softened only in the slightest at the sight of the coffee. He immediately looked up from his maps, his expression softening as he looked up at her. The expression on his face softened as he watched her. Something sharp and dangerous transformed his face, his expression going from that of a parent trying to soften a blow to a dark anger. Her expression immediately softened at the sight of me but turned hard once more after spotting the Old English sheepdog. Harriette's expression of resolve softened, and she reached out and cupped Marguerite's chin in a motherly fashion. His expression softened and his hand was still extended to her, ‘My name's Adam.’ Synonyms alleviate, ease, relieve, soothe, take the edge off, assuage, allay, dull, cushion, lessen, moderate, temper, mitigate, palliate, diminish, decrease, blunt, deaden, abate, tone down die down, abate, subside, moderate, let up, calm down, lessen, grow less, decrease, diminish, slacken, dwindle, weaken 2.1with object Undermine the resistance of (someone) 削弱（某人）的抵抗 the blockade appears a better weapon with which to soften them up for eventual surrender 封锁看起来是削弱他们抵抗使之最终投降的一个更好的武器。 Example sentencesExamples He simply figured their time apart had softened her a little. Despite his ill temper, however, every day that he spends in the calm atmosphere of the peaceful village seems to soften him. We're hoping that maybe you can soften him just enough that he will tell us at least something of what we need to know. The bombing raid we were victims of was just to soften us up. This will soften Garcia without making him feel threatened. Only his tears, his breakdown, had softened his mother, who had spoken to his father. These folks are his friends, after all; they'll heed his call, possibly after he's softened them up with flattery. I have a feeling they will try and soften us up with artillery before they attack again. He has softened him up and now he moves to place his Knight on a better square. After a few glasses of wine to soften him up, she began her pitch. Think, too, about how a peaceful gesture in the midst of a time of conflict can help defuse tension and soften someone's heart. Amy's gaze and touch seemed to be successful in softening David. If writing to ask for extra money, he would sometimes include a mathematical theorem for possible use in exams to soften his father up. Affection for my sister softened me and my shoulders slumped. Except I do want to point out that she's fallen for him, and when one does that, it softens the person, you know? After softening you up, they drag you en masse to the door. This altruism softened the character enough to make him watchable, but he remained someone you would never wish to meet. He realizes that his leave has softened him, and that he is about to fall apart. You will not soften us up by telling us the problems. It's like reverse psychology - soften the opponent up on defense and you'll distract him from doing what he wants on offense. Synonyms weaken, undermine someone's resistance, reduce someone's defensive capability 3with object Remove mineral salts from (water). 软化（水），从（水）中除去无机盐 Example sentencesExamples To soften the water, the maid Kikuno would enter the tub first to ‘massage or knead the water’. The most common way to soften household water is to use a water softener. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the more sodium needed to soften the water. But what you should try and find out about is what kind of agents have been added to harden or soften the tap water, as it affects the taste. This softens the water a little and is fine because of the tap water I have. Water softeners are sometimes a hidden source of sodium in your water at home - although cold water often isn't softened. We decided to only soften the water that would be heated, since there were no other quality issues with hardness in the cold tap water. Hard water can be softened using an ion exchange softening process. Some consumers are concerned that drinking softened water will increase the level of sodium in their diet. Hard water can be softened with the addition of a handful of washing soda (available from supermarkets) to the wash and rinse cycles. The vinegar in this formula will help to remove stains, odors and soften the water. Observations have shown increased copper levels in water softened with ion exchange water softeners.
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