soften
/ˈsɔfən/
verb
- To make or become less hard, firm, or stiff.
- The heat will soften the wax so you can shape it.
- Leave the butter out to soften before baking.
- She used a conditioner to soften her hair.
- To make or become less severe, harsh, or strict.
- The teacher softened her tone when she saw the student was upset.
- The new law softens penalties for minor offenses.
- His expression softened when he saw the puppy.
- To make or become less loud, bright, or intense.
- She softened the music so they could talk.
- The curtains soften the harsh sunlight in the room.
- The filter softens the colors in the photograph.
- To make someone more sympathetic, gentle, or less resistant.
- Time had softened her memories of the difficult years.
- The charity's work softened public opinion about the issue.
- Her apology softened his anger.