Soften - translation, pronunciation and examples
soften
make softer
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When to use soften
Stoff weicher machen
Leder weicher machen
Wolle weicher machen
Kleidung weicher machen
den Stoff weicher machen
soften usage examples
Mix a touch of white paint into the red to soften the shade until it looks right.
Similar words
primary, general: make less hard, harsh, or intense
focuses on removing bumps/unevenness; not identical to making soft
reduce intensity or strength (colour, remark); often figurative
pleasantly softened over time; calm, rich or smooth (sound, flavour, mood)
moderate or mitigate; also technical (temper steel)
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Learn by topic
soften belongs to the topic "Colors and Materials". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.
soften synonyms
What's the difference between soften / smooth / tone down / mellow / temper / dull
primary, general: make less hard, harsh, or intense
She softened the leather with oil so it wouldn't crack.
Она смягчила кожу маслом, чтобы она не трескалась.
She smoothed the plaster so the wall looked even.
Она разгладила штукатурку, чтобы стена выглядела ровно.
reduce intensity or strength (colour, remark); often figurative
They toned down the bright curtains to match the room.
Они приглушили яркость штор, чтобы они подошли к комнате.
pleasantly softened over time; calm, rich or smooth (sound, flavour, mood)
The aging process mellowed the wine and softened its tannins.
Время смягчило вино, и его танины стали мягче.
moderate or mitigate; also technical (temper steel)
She tempered her criticism so it wouldn’t offend him. / The smith tempered the blade.
Она смягчила свою критику, чтобы не обидеть его. / Кузнец закалил клинок.
The grey primer dulled the bright red paint.
Серый грунт притупил яркость красной краски.
technical: reduce colour saturation (images, paints); very specific to colour
Desaturate the image slightly to achieve a softer palette.
Немного десатурируйте изображение, чтобы получить более мягкую палитру.
The curtains have faded in the sun and look much softer now.
Шторы выцвели на солнце и теперь выглядят гораздо мягче.
formal/technical: reduce the strength, force, or intensity of something
Filters attenuate the harsh light, making it easier on the eyes.
Фильтры ослабляют резкий свет, делая его более мягким для глаз.
They moderated the colour choices to suit a wider audience.
Они смягчили выбор цветов, чтобы он подошёл широкой аудитории.
What's the difference
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soften with German translation
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A translation is not enough: words are remembered faster when they return in short examples, audio and spaced review.
10 minutes a day can add up to 3,000 words a year. Spaced flashcards bring each word back when it is time to remember it.
We count words you add to learning and review regularly. Active use grows gradually and depends on practice.
| Pace | Per day | Per year | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | 3 words | ≈ 1,100 words | starting without pressure |
| Balanced | 5 words | ≈ 1,800 words | steady growth |
| Recommended | 8 words | ≈ 2,900 words | around 3,000 words a year |
| Fast | 10 words | ≈ 3,650 words | visible vocabulary growth |
| Intensive | 15 words | ≈ 5,500 words | strong motivation |
Related words and lists for soften
How to pronounce soften and what this word means
soften translation: смягчать. This page includes translation, pronunciation, transcription, audio, usage examples and related words.
how to pronounce soften
/tə ˈsɒfən/
soften translation
смягчать
soften examples
Rub a little oil into the suede to soften it .
soften transcription
/tə ˈsɒfən/, /tu ˈsɔfən/
How this dictionary entry is reviewed
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Questions about this word
soften meaning: what does it mean?
make softer
soften pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?
soften is pronounced as /tə ˈsɒfən/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.
soften definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?
Rub a little oil into the suede to soften it . Translation: Натрите замшу небольшим количеством масла — это поможет смягчить её .
Is soften part of Colors and Materials vocabulary?
Yes, soften (смягчать) can be learned in the Colors and Materials topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.
Is soften part of Clothing and Fashion vocabulary?
Yes, soften (смягчать) can be learned in the Clothing and Fashion topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.
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