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- pronunciation:
- saw
f
 n
- features:
- Word Parts
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
softens, softening, softened |
| definition: |
to make or become soft or softer.
She softened her pillow before laying her head down.Enzymes can soften the fibers in beef.- synonyms:
- cushion, dim, lower, moderate, mute, relax, tone down
- antonyms:
- harden
- similar words:
- break, melt
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| related words: |
cushion, lower, mellow, moderate, pale, qualify, relent, still, temper, thaw |
The word soften
contains the following part:
-en1
Old English
verb-forming suffix
that means to cause to be or become or have
  More about this word part:
The suffix -en1 forms verbs from monosyllabic English adjectives.
Example words:
awaken, blacken, broaden, dampen, darken, deaden, deafen, deepen, enlighten, fatten, flatten, freshen, frighten, glisten, harden, hasten, lengthen, lessen, lighten, loosen, moisten, ripen, sharpen, shorten, soften, straighten, strengthen, tighten, weaken, whiten, widen
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