soothing

/ˈsuːðɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsuːðɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsü-t͟hiŋ/ (ame, mw)

soothing — adjective

  • soothingpositive
  • more soothingcomparative
  • most soothingsuperlative

1. Something soothing gently eases your mind — it helps feelings of worry, fear, or

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Something soothing gently eases your mind — it helps feelings of worry, fear, or upset settle down until you feel quiet and at ease again.

例句

Fatima played soothing music on the piano while her baby fell asleep.

collocation: soothing music

The doctor's voice was low and soothing as she explained the test results.

同義詞
  • calming

    broader in scope; reduces agitation or strong emotion of any kind

  • relaxing

    releases physical or mental tension, often for enjoyment

  • comforting

    provides emotional warmth and directly eases sadness or fear

  • restful

    describes environments or breaks that let you recover energy peacefully

反義詞
  • agitating

    makes someone feel nervous, restless, or upset

  • stressful

    causes mental pressure or anxiety rather than relieving it

文法句型

find something + soothing

have a soothing effect + on

feel + soothing

用法筆記

Frequently used with sensory nouns — sounds, voices, touches, rhythms. Subject is typically a gentle sensory experience rather than an abstract idea.

常見錯誤

❌She spoke in a soothing voice to soothe me down.
✅She spoke in a soothing voice to calm me down.
💡'soothe' already means to calm; 'soothe down' is redundant and unnatural.

2. A soothing substance or treatment makes physical pain, soreness, or irritation l

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A soothing substance or treatment makes physical pain, soreness, or irritation less sharp — for example, a cool gel that takes the sting out of a burn or a warm drink that eases a scratchy throat.

例句

Hakim rubbed a soothing cream onto the burn on his arm.

collocation: soothing cream

The herbal tea had a soothing effect on Sana's sore throat.

collocation: soothing effect on [body part]

同義詞
  • relieving

    more general; reduces any kind of discomfort or distress

  • palliative

    formal, medical term; eases symptoms without curing the cause

  • alleviating

    formal; makes suffering or pain less severe

反義詞
  • irritating

    causes physical discomfort, redness, or inflammation

  • aggravating

    makes an existing condition or injury worse

文法句型

apply + soothing + [cream/ointment/balm]

have a soothing effect + on + [body part]

feel + soothing + on + [skin]

用法筆記

Distinguish from Sense 1 (CALM AND RELAX): Sense 2 is specifically about reducing physical pain, burning, or irritation in the body. Subject is almost always a cream, gel, drink, rinse, or compress.

常見錯誤

❌The soothing lotion made the rash burn more.
✅The soothing lotion cooled the rash and eased the burning.
💡'soothing' always describes pain relief; if a product causes more discomfort it is 'irritating,' not 'soothing.'