softened
[ˈsɑfənd]
[ˈsɒfənd]
[ˈsɔfənd]
[ˈsɑfənd]
When something gets softened, it becomes less hard and more gentle.
When people say that their skin has been softened by a long, hot bath or a rich moisturizer, they usually mean that their skin feels smooth and not prickly anymore. But "softened" can also describe food - for example, if you cook vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for too long, they might become softened and mushy. In this case, softened means the same as cooked until it's tender.
How common is "softened"?
Word softened is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in magazine texts and less often in other writings.
It appears most frequently in magazine texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
verb
To make something soft or softer.
Example: Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
adjective
Made soft.
Real examples of "softened" in context
