softened

/ˈsɒf.ən/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈɔfənd] /ˈsɑː.fən/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈɔfənd] /ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)/ (ame, mw)

softened — verb

  • softenedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • softeneds3rd person singular
  • softeneding-ing form
  • softenededpast simple

1. the past tense and past participle of 'soften', used when something grew less fi

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

the past tense and past participle of 'soften', used when something grew less firm or when a person made a material easier to press, chew, or bend

例句

The butter softened on the kitchen counter before Nora mixed the cake batter.

intransitive: food became softer on its own

Steam from the soup softened the bread that Lucas dipped into his bowl.

transitive: heat softened a food

同義詞
  • melted

    Stronger than softened and often suggests that heat started turning something into liquid.

  • loosened

    Usually describes something becoming less tight rather than less firm.

  • tenderized

    Mainly used for meat prepared to become easier to chew.

反義詞
  • hardened

    Describes something becoming firmer, stiffer, or more solid.

文法句型

something softened

softened + noun

softened enough to + verb

用法筆記

Common with food, leather, wax, cloth, and other materials. The change may happen by itself, or heat, water, steam, or another treatment may cause it.

常見錯誤

❌Please soft the butter before mixing it.
✅Please soften the butter before mixing it.
💡'soft' is an adjective; the verb form is 'soften'.
❌The carrots were soften after boiling.
✅The carrots were softened after boiling.
💡after 'were', use the past participle 'softened'.

2. the past tense and past participle of 'soften', used when a person, rule, or rea

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

the past tense and past participle of 'soften', used when a person, rule, or reaction grew gentler or easier to accept, or when someone caused that change

例句

After hearing Femi's apology, the teacher softened and dropped the extra homework.

intransitive: a person became less strict

Quan's voice softened when Mei started to cry beside the gate.

voice softened when emotions changed

同義詞
  • relented

    Often suggests finally giving in after resisting for some time.

  • eased

    Common when pressure, rules, or tension become less strong.

  • mellowed

    Suggests a gradual move toward a calmer or kinder manner.

反義詞
  • hardened

    Shows a person or policy becoming tougher and less sympathetic.

  • tightened

    Often used when rules or restrictions become stricter.

文法句型

someone softened

softened + policy / tone / rules

softened toward + somebody

用法筆記

Often used with people, expressions, tones, rules, and policies. When the person affected is named, 'toward' is common; when a rule changes, the object is usually something like policy, stance, or restrictions.

常見錯誤

❌The principal softened to the students after the meeting.
✅The principal softened toward the students after the meeting.
💡use 'toward' when the change is in attitude to people.