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[ verb ] make soft or softer; of images and sounds
Used in print (John Cheever, "The Brigadier and the Golf Widow,"...)It bulks under a veil of thin , new grass , like some embarrassing fact of physicalness , and I think Mrs._Pastern set_out the statuary to soften its meaning . (Richard Ferber, Bitter Valley....)`` You own this place '' ? she said , and her tone had softened until it was almost friendly . Related terms |
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[ verb ] lessen in force or effect
Examples "soften a shock" "break a fall" Used in print (The Wall Street Journal...)A measure passed by Congress just before adjourning softened the ruling 's impact , on prior-year returns still under review , for clay-mining companies that make brick and tile products . |
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[ verb ] make less severe or harsh
Examples "He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears" Related terms |
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