: 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)
4
archaic: moving in a leisurely manner
5
: rising gradually
a soft slope
6
: having curved or rounded outline : not harsh or jagged
soft hills against the horizon
7
: marked by a gentleness, kindness, or tenderness: such as
a(1)
: not harsh or onerous in character
a policy of soft competition
(2)
: based on negotiation, conciliation, or flexibility rather than on force, threats, or intransigence
took a soft line during the crisis
(3)
: tending to take a soft line—usually used with on
soft on dictatorssoft on law and order
b
: tending to ingratiate or disarm : engaging, kind
a soft answer turns away wrath Proverbs 15:1 (Revised Standard Version)
Adjective The ground was soft after the heavy rain. Iron and lead are soft metals. The room was painted in soft pink. the soft glow of the moon
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
During the show, Maher questioned him not about the abuses that took place under his watch but about whether America had become too soft on crime. Nicole Hemmer, CNN, 9 Sep. 2022 Cotton, who emerged as one of the staunchest critics of Rollins and her progressive policies, tried to block her confirmation and accused her of being soft on crime. Shelley Murphy, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Aug. 2022 During his speech in the Keystone State, a crucial battleground in the coming midterm elections, Mr. Biden looked to counter GOP attacks that his party is soft on crime. Catherine Lucey, WSJ, 30 Aug. 2022 The governor went on to slam the left for being soft on crime and embracing socialism. Ronn Blitzer, Fox News, 24 Aug. 2022 Most votes were forced by Republicans and many were designed to make Democrats look soft on U.S.-Mexico border security and gasoline and energy costs, and like bullies for wanting to strengthen IRS tax law enforcement. Alan Fram, Anchorage Daily News, 7 Aug. 2022 Most votes were forced by Republicans and many were designed to make Democrats look soft on U.S.-Mexico border security and gasoline and energy costs, and like bullies for wanting to strengthen IRS tax law enforcement.The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Aug. 2022 Republicans accused Democrats of being soft on border security and opening the door to higher energy and gas costs.CBS News, 7 Aug. 2022 Republicans forced their own votes designed to make Democrats look soft on U.S.-Mexico border security and gasoline and energy costs, and like bullies for wanting to strengthen IRS tax law enforcement. Alan Fram And Lisa Mascaro, Chron, 7 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Old English sōfte, alteration of sēfte; akin to Old High German semfti soft
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above