soften

to make something softer or less hard

ablandar, suavizar

• soften sth

Collocations soften butter · soften dough

• Leave the bread to soften before you use it.

  Deja que el pan se ablande antes de usarlo.

to make something less strong or severe

mitigar, suavizar

• soften sth

Collocations soften a blow · soften an argument

• The government is trying to soften the impact of its new tax laws.

  El gobierno está tratando de mitigar el impacto de sus nuevas leyes tributarias.

to make something less firm or hard in feeling, taste, or sound

suavizar, hacer menos firme

• soften sth

Collocations soften a voice · soften an expression

• She softened her tone when she spoke to the children.

  Suavizó su tono cuando habló con los niños.

to become softer or less hard

ablandarse, volverse más blando

• sth softens

Collocations butter softens in the heat · dough softens over time

• The butter softened quickly on the kitchen counter.

  La mantequilla se ablandó rápidamente en el mostrador de la cocina.

to become less strong or severe

mitigarse, volverse menos fuerte

• sth softens

Collocations laws soften over time · punishments soften with age

• The laws have softened in recent years.

  Las leyes se han mitigado en los últimos años.

to become less firm or hard in feeling, taste, or sound

suavizarse, volverse menos firme

• sth softens

Collocations voice softens with emotion · expression softens with kindness

• Her voice softened as she spoke about her children.

  Su voz se suavizó mientras hablaba sobre sus hijos.