新东方-柯林斯雅思备考词典

soften

英 [ˈsɒfən]

美 [ˈsɔːf-]

[VERB]

词汇频率：

VERB. 动词

softens , softening , softened
1. [I 不及物动词] 使变软 , 变软
If you soften something or if it softens, it becomes less hard, stiff, or firm.
双语例句
例：
Soften the butter mixture in a small saucepan.
在小平底锅里将黄油混合物化软。
2. [T 及物动词] 使减弱
If one thing softens the damaging effect of another thing, it makes the effect less severe.
双语例句
例：
There were also pledges to soften the impact of the subsidy cuts on the poorer regions.
他们还承诺要减轻消减补贴给较贫困地区带来的影响。
3. [I 不及物动词] 使变温和 , 变温和
If you soften your position, if your position softens, or if you soften, you become more sympathetic and less hostile or critical.
双语例句
例：
The letter shows no sign that the Germans have softened their position.
信里没有任何迹象表明德国人的态度已有所缓和。
例：
His party's policy has softened a lot in recent years.
他所在的政党近些年的政策已经变得温和多了。
4. [I 不及物动词] 使温和 , 变温和
If your voice or expression softens or if you soften it, it becomes much more gentle and friendly.
双语例句
例：
All at once, Mick's serious expression softened into a grin.
米克严肃的表情一下子变成了笑脸。
5. [T 及物动词] 使（光、颜色或声音）变柔和
If you soften something such as light, a colour, or a sound, you make it less bright or harsh.
双语例句
例：
We wanted to soften the light without destroying the overall effect of space.
我们希望在不破坏整体空间效果的同时使灯光柔和些。
6. [T 及物动词] 使（皮肤）变得光滑柔软
Something that softens your skin makes it very smooth and pleasant to touch.
双语例句
例：
products designed to moisturize and soften the skin.
使肌肤滋润柔滑的产品。