1. made less hard, firm, or rigid
2. made less harsh, severe, or intense

1. past tense and past participle of soften; made or became less hard, firm, or rigid
2. made or became less harsh, severe, or intense

Examples

• The butter softened quickly in the warm kitchen.
• Her expression softened when she saw the puppy.
• The softened lighting created a romantic atmosphere.
• He softened his tone after seeing her tears.
• The rain softened the hard ground.
• The teacher’s softened approach helped the struggling student.
• The softened fabric felt comfortable against her skin.