softening meaning

UK US /ˈsɔfənɪŋ/ 3 syllables

softening (adjective): having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin.

softening has 2 meanings in this dictionary, as adjective and noun.

softening as an adjective

  1. having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

    Synonyms: demulcent, emollient, salving

    Similar: soft

softening as a noun

  1. the process of becoming softer
    • refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit
    • he observed the softening of iron by heat

    Type of: natural process

    Kinds: maceration

    Related forms: soften

How to pronounce softening

softening is pronounced /ˈsɔfənɪŋ/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Word lists: words starting with SO · words ending in NG · 9-letter words

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