soft
1. soft \'so.ft\ \'so.f(t)-n*s\ aj [ME, fr. OE so-fte, alter. of se-fte;
akin to OHG semftiX soft 1a: pleasing or agreeable to the senses : bringing
ease, comfort, or qui et {the ~ influences of home} 1b1: having a bland or
mellow rather than a sharp or acid taste or flavor 1b2: containing no
alcohol - used of beverages 1c1: not bright or glaring : SUBDUED 1c2:
having or producing little contrast or a relatively short range of to nes
{~ photographic print ~ lighting} 1d1: quiet in pitch or volume 1d2:
MELODIOUS of the eyes 1e: having a liquid or gentle appearance 1f:
smooth or delicate in texture, grain, or fiber 1g1: balmy, mild, or
clement in weather or temperature 1g2: moving or falling with slight force
or impact : not violent {~ breezes} 2: demanding little work or effort :
EASY, IDLE {a ~ job} 3a: sounding as in ace and gem respectively - used of
cX and g or their sound of a consonant 3b: VOICED 3c: constituting a
vowel before which there is a /y/ sound or a /y/-like modification of a
consonant or constituting a consonant in whose articulation there is a
/y/-like modification or which is followed by a /y/ sound (as in Russian)
archaic 4: moving in a leisurely manner 5: rising gradually {a ~ slope}
6: having curved or rounded outline : not harsh or jagged {~ hil ls against
the horizon} 7a: marked by gentleness, kindness, or tenderness 7b:
IMPRESSIONABLE, SUGGESTIBLE 7c: unduly susceptible to influence :
COMPLIANT 7d: lacking firmness or strength of character : FEEBLE, UNMANLY
7e: amorously attracted 8a: lacking robust strength, stamina, or endurance
esp. because of living in ease or luxury 8b: weak or deficient mentally
9a: yielding to physical pressure 9b: permitting someone or something to
sink in 9c: COMPRESSIBLE, MALLEABLE 9d: lacking relatively or
comparatively in hardness {~ iron} 10: deficient in or free from
substances (as calcium and magnesium salts) that prevent lathering of soap
{~ water} 11: having relatively low penetrating power {~ X rays} n devoid
of harshness, roughness, or intensity. SOFT implies a subduing of all that
is vivid, intense, or forceful until it is agreeably soothing; BLAND
implies the absence of anything that might disturb, stimulate, or irritate;
MILD and GENTLE stress moderation or restraint of force or intensity;
LENIENT implies a relaxing or assuasive quality - soft.ly av SYN syn SOFT,
BLAND, MILD, GENTLE, LENIENT mea
2. soft n : a soft object, material, or part {the ~ of the thumb}
3. soft av : in a soft or gentle manner : SOFTLY