查词 - softening

soften

ˈsɒfən verb

1

soften up

also 又作 to become less hard or rough, or make something less hard or rough （使）变软，（使）变柔滑，（使）变轻柔;

Use moisturizer to soften your skin.

使用润肤霜让你的肌肤变柔滑。

Cook until the onion softens.

把洋葱煮到变软为止。

2 if your attitude softens, or if something softens it, it becomes less strict and more sympathetic （使）〔态度等〕软化，（使）变温和;

The government has softened its stance on public spending.

政府对公共开支问题的态度软化了。

I felt that he was beginning to soften towards me.

我感觉到他开始对我变温和了。

3 to make the effect of something seem less unpleasant or severe, or to become less unpleasant or severe （使）变柔和，（使）变缓和

soften the blow/impact

The impact of the tax was softened by large tax-free allowances.

这种税的影响因为免税额大而得到了缓和。

4 if your expression or voice softens, or if something softens it, you look or sound kinder and more gentle （使）〔表情或声音〕变轻柔，（使）变柔和;

His voice softened as he spoke to her.

他对她说话时声音变轻柔了。

5 to make the shape or colour of something look less severe 使变柔和

Climbing plants soften the outline of a fence.

攀缘植物可以使围栏的轮廓变得柔和。

6 to be nice to someone before you ask them to do something, so that they will agree to help you [非正式] 使…心软，打动 informal

She was just softening me up.

她就是要叫我心软。

7 to make an enemy weaker so that they are easier to attack 削弱〔敌人的防御设施以便进攻〕

Use artillery to soften up the enemy forces.

用大炮来削弱敌军。

8 to make something less hard or rough 使变软，使软化