softness meaning

softness as a noun

1. the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded

   Opposite: hardness

   Type of: consistency

   Kinds: compressibility, downiness, flabbiness, mushiness

   Related forms: soft

2. poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury)

   Synonyms: unfitness

   Type of: ill health

   Kinds: infirmity, disability

   Related forms: soft

3. the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing
   • the day's heat faded into balminess
   • the climate had the softness of the south of France

   Synonyms: balminess

   Type of: mildness

   Related forms: soft

4. a state of declining economic condition
   • orders have recently picked up after a period of extreme softness
   • he attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy

   Type of: economic condition

   Related forms: soft

5. a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency
   • and in softness almost beyond hearing

   Opposite: loudness

   Type of: sound property

   Kinds: faintness, decrescendo, piano

   Related forms: soft

6. a visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare
   • the softness of the morning sky

   Type of: visual property

   Related forms: soft

7. acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered
   • his fingers have learned gentleness
   • suddenly her gigantic power melted into softness for the baby
   • even in the pulpit there are moments when mildness of manner is not enough

   Synonyms: gentleness, mildness

   Type of: manner

   Related forms: soft

8. the quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines

   Synonyms: indistinctness, blurriness, fogginess, fuzziness

   Opposite: sharpness

   Type of: opacity

   Kinds: dimness, vagueness

9. the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man)
   • the students associated science with masculinity and arts with effeminacy
   • Spartans accused Athenians of effeminateness
   • he was shocked by the softness of the atmosphere surrounding the young prince, arising from the superfluity of the femininity that guided him

   Synonyms: effeminacy, effeminateness, sissiness, womanishness, unmanliness

   Type of: femininity

   Kinds: emasculation

10. a disposition to be lenient in judging others
    • softness is not something permitted of good leaders

    Type of: indulgence

    Related forms: soft

How to pronounce softness

softness is pronounced /ˈsɔftnəs/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.