1. | [i][t] (使)变软,软化to become, or to make sth softer |
Fry the onions until they soften. 把洋葱炒软。 | |
a lotion to soften the skin 润肤露 | |
Linseed oil will soften stiff leather. 亚麻籽油可软化僵硬的皮革。 |
2. | [i][t] ~ (sth) (使)柔和,和缓to become or to make sth less bright, rough or strong |
Trees soften the outline of the house. 树木使房子的轮廓显得柔和。 |
3. | [i][t] (使)态度缓和,变温和,变宽厚to become or to make sb/sth more sympathetic and less severe or critical |
She felt herself softening towards him. 她感觉自己对他逐渐温和起来。 | |
His face softened as he looked at his son. 他看着儿子,紧绷的面孔松弛下来。 | |
She softened her tone a little. 她稍稍缓和了一下语气。 |
4. | [t] ~ sth 减轻;减缓;削弱to reduce the force or the unpleasant effects of sth |
Airbags are designed to soften the impact of a car crash. 气囊用来减轻汽车碰撞的冲击力。 |