VocabDictionary

soft

/sษ’ft/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Easy to mold, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe kitten had incredibly soft fur.โ€
  • โ€œThe clay remained soft enough to shape into a vase.โ€
2.adjective

Pleasant and not loud, harsh, or strident.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œShe spoke in a soft whisper so as not to wake the baby.โ€
  • โ€œThe room was lit by the soft glow of candles.โ€
3.adverb

In a quiet, gentle, or restrained manner.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œTread soft through the forest to avoid startling the wildlife.โ€
  • โ€œSpeak soft, for the walls have ears.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œsoftโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'sลfte', meaning 'pleasant, gentle, or quiet'. It shares roots with the Proto-Germanic 'samftijaz', which is related to the German 'sanft'. Historically, it evolved from describing a state of ease or comfort to its modern physical sense of being easily yielding to pressure.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'soft' pillow: S-O-F-T (Sleep On Fluffy Texture).

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œsoftโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œsoftโ€ in English?

In English, soft (adjective) is defined as: โ€œEasy to mold, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œsoftโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe kitten had incredibly soft fur.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œsoftโ€?

Common synonyms include:yielding,pliable,gentle,mellow,tender

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œsoftโ€?

Derived from the Old English 'sลfte', meaning 'pleasant, gentle, or quiet'. It shares roots with the Proto-Germanic 'samftijaz', which is related to the German 'sanft'. Historically, it evolved from describing a state of ease or comfort to its modern physical sense of being easily yielding to pressure.