soft
Pronunciation: /sɒft/
adjective
- 1easy to mould, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch: soft margarine the ground was soft beneath their feet
- having a smooth surface or texture; not rough or coarse: soft crushed velvet her hair felt very soft
- (of a person) weak and lacking courage: soft southerners
- (of a market, currency, or commodity) falling or likely to fall in value: now a new factor looms: soft oil prices the rouble, so soft that it buys nothing worth having
- 2having a pleasing quality involving a subtle effect or contrast rather than sharp definition: the soft glow of the lamps the moon’s pale light cast soft shadows
- (of a voice or sound) quiet and gentle: they spoke in soft whispers
- not strong or violent: a soft breeze rustled the trees
- dialect (of the weather) rainy, moist, or thawing.
- 3sympathetic, lenient, or compassionate, especially to a degree perceived as excessive; not strict or sufficiently strict: the government is not becoming soft on crime Julia’s soft heart was touched by his grief
- (of words or language) not harsh or angry; conciliatory; soothing: he was no good with soft words, gentle phrases
- willing to compromise in political matters: candidates ranging from far right to soft left
- informal (of a job or way of life) requiring little effort.
- 4(of a drink) not alcoholic.
- (of a drug) not likely to cause addiction.
- (of radiation) having little penetrating power.
- (of a detergent) biodegradable.
- (also soft-core) (of pornography) suggestive or erotic but not explicit.
adverb
Phrases
Origin:
Old English sōfte 'agreeable, calm, gentle', of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch zacht and German sanft