softenings
|sof-ten-ings|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɔːfənɪŋz/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɒfənɪŋz/
(softening)
make less hard or severe
Etymology
'softenings' originates from English, specifically from the verb 'soften', where 'soft' meant 'not hard or harsh' and the suffix '-en' formed verbs; the noun/gerund suffix '-ing' produced 'softening', and the plural marker '-s' produced 'softenings'.
'soften' developed in Middle English from the adjective 'soft' (Old English 'softe') plus a verb-forming element (Middle English '-en'), yielding 'soften'; later the noun/gerund 'softening' was formed with '-ing' and then the plural 'softenings' emerged in modern English.
Initially it meant 'to make physically soft' (from the adjective 'soft'), but over time the meaning broadened to include 'to make less severe or harsh' and figurative uses such as easing policies or tensions.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'softening'.
The softenings of trade barriers helped exporters expand into new markets.
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Noun 2
acts or processes of making something softer, or reductions in severity/intensity (e.g., of tone, policy, restrictions, or tensions).
Recent softenings in the company's policies have improved employee morale.
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Last updated: 2025/12/11 16:14