smooth: …a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth.
2
pliable: As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.
flexible: …brushes with long, flexible bristles.
spongy: The earth was spongy from rain.
soft|back /sɒ ftbæk/ N‑SING [oft in N ] A softback is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. [BRIT ] □ This title was a best seller and is now available in softback. in AM, use softcover
soft|ball /sɒ ftbɔːl, [AM ] sɔː ft-/ (softballs )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Softball is a game similar to baseball, but played with a larger, softer ball.
2 N‑COUNT A softball is the ball used in the game of softball.
so ft-boi led ADJ A soft-boiled egg is one that has been boiled for only a few minutes, so that the yellow part is still liquid.
so ft-core also softcore ADJ [ADJ n] Soft-core pornography shows or describes sex, but not very violent or unpleasant sex, or not in a very detailed way. Compare hard-core .
soft|cover /sɒ ftkʌvə r / (softcovers ) also soft-cover N‑COUNT [oft N n, in N ] A softcover is a book with a thin cardboard, paper, or plastic cover. Compare hardcover . [AM ] □ …this set of 6 softcover books. in BRIT, use softback
so ft dri nk (soft drinks ) N‑COUNT A soft drink is a cold, non-alcoholic drink such as lemonade or fruit juice, or a fizzy drink.
sof|ten /sɒ f ə n, [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softens , softening , softened )
1 VERB If you soften something or if it softens , it becomes less hard, stiff, or firm. □ [V n] Soften the butter mixture in a small saucepan. □ [V ] Fry for about 4 minutes, until the onion has softened.
2 VERB If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe. □ [V n] There were also pledges to soften the impact of the subsidy cuts on the poorer regions. □ [V n] He could not think how to soften the blow of what he had to tell her.
3 VERB If you soften your position, if your position softens , or if you soften , you become more sympathetic and less hostile or critical towards someone or something. □ [V n] The letter shows no sign that the Americans have softened their position. □ [V ] His party's policy has softened a lot in recent years. □ [V ] Livy felt herself soften towards Caroline.
4 VERB If your voice or expression softens or if you soften it, it becomes much more gentle and friendly. □ [V ] All at once, Mick's serious expression softened into a grin. □ [V n] She did not smile or soften her voice.
5 VERB If you soften something such as light, a colour, or a sound, you make it less bright or harsh. □ [V n] Stark concrete walls have been softened by a show of fresh flowers.
6 VERB Something that softens your skin makes it very smooth and pleasant to touch. □ [V n] …products designed to moisturize and soften the skin.
▸ soften up PHRASAL VERB If you soften someone up, you put them into a good mood before asking them to do something. [INFORMAL ] □ [V n P ] If they'd treated you well it was just to soften you up. [Also V P n]
sof|ten|er /sɒ fənə r , [AM ] sɔː f-/ (softeners )
1 N‑COUNT A water softener is a device or substance which removes certain minerals, for example calcium, from water, so that it makes bubbles easily when you use soap to wash things.
2 N‑VAR A fabric softener is a chemical substance that you add to water when you wash clothes in order to make the clothes feel softer.
so ft fo |cus N‑UNCOUNT If something in a photograph or film is in soft focus , it has been made slightly unclear to give it a more romantic effect. □ The photo of her in the magazine was taken in soft focus and flattering light.
so ft frui t (soft fruits ) N‑VAR Soft fruits are small fruits with soft skins, such as strawberries and currants. [BRIT ] in AM, use berries
so ft fu r|nish|ings N‑PLURAL Soft furnishings are cushions, curtains, and furniture covers. [BRIT ] in AM, use soft goods
so ft goo ds N‑PLURAL Soft goods are the same as soft furnishings . [AM ]
so ft-hea rted ADJ Someone who is soft-hearted has a very sympathetic and kind nature.
softie /sɒ fti/ (softies ) also softy N‑COUNT If you describe someone as a softie , you mean that they are very emotional or that they can easily be made to feel sympathy towards other people. [INFORMAL ] □ He's just a big softie.
so ft la nd|ing (soft landings ) N‑COUNT In economics, a soft landing is a situation in which the economy stops growing but this does not produce a recession.
so ft loa n (soft loans ) N‑COUNT A soft loan is a loan with a very low interest rate. Soft loans are usually made to developing countries or to businesses in developing countries. [BUSINESS ]
so ftly-so ftly also softly, softly ADJ [ADJ n] A softly-softly approach to something is cautious and patient and avoids direct action or force. [BRIT ] □ …the government's softly, softly approach to the prison protest.
so ft-pe dal (soft-pedals , soft-pedalling , soft-pedalled ) in AM, use soft-pedaling , soft-pedaled VERB If you soft-pedal something, you deliberately reduce the amount of activity or pressure that you have been using to get something done or seen. □ [V n] He refused to soft-pedal an investigation into the scandal. [Also V + on ]