1
[ adjective ] having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Synonyms

emollient salving demulcent

Used in print

(Morley Callaghan, A Passion in Rome....)

But Carla ; eyes were on Agnese whose glowing face and softening eyes gave her a look of warmth and happiness .

Related terms

soft

2
[ noun ] the process of becoming softer

Examples

"refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit" or "he observed the softening of iron by heat"

Used in print

(Organic Gardening and Farming,...)

This cooling does not change the avocado in any way , it just delays the natural softening of the fruit until a grove like temperature ( room_temperature ) is restored .

Related terms

natural_process maceration soften

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Rhymes with

summoning broadening signing deafening stiffening saddening fawning rationing fashioning shortening saddening stunning scanning shortening fining awning happening dampening ripening widening fastening fattening gardening lightening blackening enlightening hardening heightening tightening likening heartening disheartening frightening maddening slackening stiffening darkening sickening vacationing disillusioning fawning positioning repositioning cushioning fining envisioning apportioning commissioning partitioning seasoning conditioning rationing shining shunning assigning opening dawning yawning feigning stunning sinning mining deafening sanctioning leavening refining confining questioning unquestioning morning mourning malfunctioning strengthening functioning sanctioning lengthening fastening fattening frowning worsening awakening yawning deepening cunning reckoning dawning reasoning sweetening determining quickening listening poisoning christening hastening shunning threatening lessening weakening deadening loosening glistening thickening running tanning wanting cunning pining lining dining whining ironing downing wining counting banning running christening fastening fattening questioning unquestioning glistening lessening loosening frowning worsening hastening warning listening signing feigning swooning awning sickening stoning staining spinning assigning aligning accounting maddening ironing enchanting confining broadening coarsening disappointing disheartening warning lightning whitening summoning clowning crowning broadening planning sickening mourning morning browning tightening seasoning scanning saddening ripening ironing governing stiffening darkening self-governing gardening mining cushioning fashioning repositioning conditioning apportioning vacationing malfunctioning rationing positioning partitioning commissioning whining happening heightening functioning sanctioning wanting downing counting concerning whitening consenting heartening discerning broadening bargaining hardening dissenting

Phonetic and Homophones

S AO1 F N IH0 NG
S AO1 F AH0 N IH0 NG

Similar Spelling

soften softener softened soft_on

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