1become/make sth softer/gentler(使)變得柔軟ADVERB | PREPOSITIONADVERB➤considerably, a lot(使)變軟很多▸➤a bit, a little, slightly, somewhat(使)變軟一點兒◇His smile softened slightly.他的微笑稍柔和了些。◇I've softened somewhat in my advancing age.隨着年齡的增長,我稍微溫和了些。PREPOSITION➤towards/toward對⋯變得柔和◇Her anger softened towards / toward him.她對他的怒氣和緩下來。soften
verb²
2make sth seem less severe使溫和ADVERB | VERB + SOFTEN | PHRASESADVERB➤slightly, somewhat稍微/有點兒緩和VERB + SOFTEN➤try to試圖緩和▸➤help (to)有助於緩和PHRASES➤soften the blow (of sth)減輕(⋯的)打擊◇I should try to soften the blow of this news.我應該設法緩解這消息帶來的打擊。◇The bank may try to soften the blow somewhat with a cut in interest rates.該銀行可能會通過降低利率來緩解衝擊。➤soften into a smile漸漸露出柔和的微笑◇Her face softened into a smile.她的臉色漸漸溫和起來,露出了微笑。