Softness (Noun)
Meaning 1
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
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Meaning 2
The quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The softness of the focus in the photograph made the subject's features appear less defined.
- The softness of the brushstrokes in the painting created a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere.
- The softness of the watercolor illustration made it difficult to discern the individual elements.
- The softness of the light in the room made it hard to read the fine print on the page.
- The softness of the pastel colors used in the artwork gave it a gentle, soothing quality.
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Meaning 3
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
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Meaning 4
A visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare; "the softness of the morning sky".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The softness of the morning sky made it easy on the eyes after a night of partying.
- The softness of the pastel colors used in the painting created a calming atmosphere.
- The softness of the candlelight made the dinner date feel more intimate.
- The softness of the watercolor painting's hues added to its dreamy quality.
- The softness of the dawn light creeping over the mountains was a breathtaking sight.
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Meaning 5
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The gentle warmth of the summer evening brought a softness to the air that was hard to resist.
- The softness of the climate in the Mediterranean region made it a popular destination for tourists.
- The day's heat faded into a softness that was a welcome relief from the sweltering temperatures.
- The climate had the softness of the south of France, with mild winters and warm summers.
- The softness of the morning mist was a beautiful sight to behold, as it gently lifted to reveal the rolling hills.
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Meaning 6
A sound property that is free from loudness or stridency; "and in softness almost beyond hearing".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The music drifted into softness as the orchestra slowed its final notes, the fading sounds evoking a sense of gentle resignation.
- Her voice took on a softness in moments of great sorrow, a poignant counterpoint to the crushing news.
- In the softness of dawn's light, the stars lost their brilliance and slowly disappeared.
- He turned down the TV volume, bringing a softness to the annoying laugh track.
- A sense of softness had somehow diminished the bitter urgency in his appeal, tempering it into gentle persuasion.
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Meaning 7
Poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
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Meaning 8
The property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
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Meaning 9
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".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The therapist helped her patient to explore the softness in her heart and release the anger and pain that had been holding her back.
- Her gentle hands guided the injured bird back to its nest with a softness that surprised even the bird.
- Suddenly her gigantic power melted into softness for the baby as she gently rocked the child in her arms.
- His fingers have learned softness on the piano keys, and now he could play even the most delicate melodies.
- The old professor's voice had a softness to it, a warmth that immediately put his students at ease.
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Meaning 10
A disposition to be lenient in judging others; "softness is not something permitted of good leaders".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- Her softness in judging her sibling's mistake made her a poor mediator in family disputes.
- The coach's softness towards the young player's mistakes made the rest of the team uncomfortable, as they felt he was being let off the hook.
- His softness on the issue of punishment for minor crimes was seen as a weakness by the opposition party.
- The new policy of softness towards former prisoners was criticized by the victim's rights groups.
- The company's softness in dealing with the corrupt executive was seen as a major flaw in their corporate governance.