好词典
softened
UK //ˈsɒfənd//US //ˈsɔːfənd//
词源
源自中古英语 'softnen'，由 'soft'（古英语 'sōfte'）加动词后缀 '-en' 构成，表示“使变得柔软”。
verb
❶ 使某物变得柔软或更易弯曲，通常通过加热、浸泡或施加外力等方式实现。
“She softened the butter by leaving it out of the fridge for an hour.”
（她把黄油放在冰箱外一小时，使其软化。）
“The fabric softener softened the stiff new towels.”
（织物柔顺剂让僵硬的新毛巾变得柔软。）
❶ 使态度、语气或情感变得温和或不再严厉，常用于人际交往或谈判中。
“Her smile softened his anger.”
（她的微笑缓和了他的怒气。）
“The teacher softened her tone when she saw the child was upset.”
（老师看到孩子难过时，语气变得温和了。）
同义词:mellowed, gentled, eased, moderated, tenderized
adjective
❶ 描述已经变得柔软或温和的状态，可用于形容物体或人的态度。
“The softened leather was perfect for making gloves.”
（软化后的皮革非常适合制作手套。）
“Her features had a softened look in the candlelight.”
（烛光下她的面容显得柔和。）
同义词:tender, pliable, supple, malleable, lenient
常见短语
softened up — 通过前期准备使某人或某物更容易接受后续行动，常用于军事或谈判策略中。
“The army softened up the enemy defenses with artillery before the infantry attack.”
（军队先用炮火削弱敌方防御，再发动步兵进攻。）