好词典
softening
UK //ˈsɒf.ən.ɪŋ//US //ˈsɔː.fən.ɪŋ//
词源
源自中古英语 'softnen'，由 'soft'（柔软的）加动词后缀 '-en' 构成，表示使变得柔软。
noun
❶ 指物体或材料变得柔软的过程或状态，常用于描述物理变化或情感上的缓和。
“The softening of the butter made it easier to spread.”
（黄油变软后更容易涂抹。）
“The softening of his attitude surprised everyone.”
（他态度的缓和让所有人都感到惊讶。）
同义词:mellowing, tenderizing, relaxation, moderation, weakening
verb
❶ 使某物变得柔软或温和的动作，可用于物理或情感层面。
“She is softening the butter for baking.”
（她正在软化黄油用来烘焙。）
“Time has softened his harsh opinions.”
（时间使他尖锐的观点变得温和了。）
同义词:tenderizing, mellowing, easing, moderating, tempering
常见短语
softening agent — 指能使材料变软的化学物质，常用于洗涤剂或工业处理中。
“This laundry detergent contains a fabric softening agent.”
（这款洗衣液含有织物柔软剂。）
softening of the market — 经济术语，指市场需求或价格开始下降的趋势。
“The softening of the housing market is worrying investors.”
（房地产市场的疲软让投资者感到担忧。）