English adjective: softening | |||
1. | softening having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin | ||
Synonyms | demulcent, emollient, salving | ||
Similar | soft | ||
Antonyms | hard | ||
English noun: softening | |||
1. | softening (process) the process of becoming softer | ||
Samples | Refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit. He observed the softening of iron by heat. | ||
Broader (hypernym) | action, activity, natural action, natural process | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | maceration | ||