soften
/ˈsɒfən/verb
Elementary
1
To make something soft or softer.
2
To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
3
To make less harsh.
4
To become soft or softer.
5
To become or make (a consonant) more lenis, to lenite.
6
To palatalize.
Thesaurus
Sound Patterns & Rhymes
Alliteration
Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)
Assonance
Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing