Softened

The past participle of 'soften,' meaning to make or become less hard, firm, rigid, or severe. This can apply to physical textures, emotional states, sounds, or the intensity of something. Softening often implies a process of making something more yielding, gentle, palatable, or manageable. It suggests a decrease in force, sharpness, or intensity, leading to a more pleasant or agreeable state.

Softened meaning with examples

• The baker Softened the butter before adding it to the cake batter, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. The Softened butter incorporated easily, creating a light and airy crumb. Without softening, the butter would have clumped, ruining the final product. The result was a moist and delicious cake.
• Her therapist helped her soften the edges of her grief through empathetic listening. The compassionate approach allowed her to address the trauma in a safe way, working through the difficult experiences slowly. This created a foundation for healing. She began processing those events, lessening their overwhelming emotional impact.
• The new noise-canceling headphones Softened the sounds of the busy city, allowing her to concentrate. The quiet allowed her to focus better, creating a more immersive experience. With no distraction the environment became a peaceful place to spend time. The change helped her feel more relaxed and less stressed.
• The company attempted to soften its public image after the scandal by launching a series of charitable initiatives. The intent was to demonstrate social responsibility. The actions served to show empathy. This marketing strategy helped to make amends and regain consumer trust, despite the initial damage.