transcription, транскрипция: [ sɒft, AM sɔ:ft ]
( softer, softest)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
Something that is soft is pleasant to touch, and not rough or hard.
Regular use of a body lotion will keep the skin soft and supple...
...warm, soft, white towels.
≠ rough
ADJ
• soft‧ness
The sea air robbed her hair of its softness.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
Something that is soft changes shape or bends easily when you press it.
She lay down on the soft, comfortable bed...
Add enough milk to form a soft dough.
...soft cheese.
≠ hard, firm
ADJ
3.
Something that has a soft appearance has smooth curves rather than sharp or distinct edges.
This is a smart, yet soft and feminine look.
...the soft curves of her body.
= gentle
≠ hard
ADJ
• soft‧ly
She wore a softly tailored suit.
...a fresh, modern hairstyle which has long layers falling softly on the neck.
ADV : ADV with v
4.
Something that is soft is very gentle and has no force. For example, a soft sound or voice is quiet and not harsh. A soft light or colour is pleasant to look at because it is not bright.
There was a soft tapping on my door...
When he woke again he could hear soft music.
= gentle
ADJ
• soft‧ly
She crossed the softly lit room...
She bent forward and kissed him softly.
ADV : ADV with v
5.
If you are soft on someone, you do not treat them as strictly or severely as you should do.
The president says the measure is soft and weak on criminals...
≠ hard
ADJ : usu v-link ADJ , oft ADJ on n [ disapproval ]
6.
If you say that someone has a soft heart , you mean that they are sensitive and sympathetic towards other people.
Her rather tough and worldly exterior hides a very soft and sensitive heart.
≠ hard
ADJ [ approval ]
7.
You use soft to describe a way of life that is easy and involves very little work.
The regime at Latchmere could be seen as a soft option...
= easy
≠ hard
ADJ
8.
Soft drugs are drugs, such as cannabis, which are illegal but which many people do not consider to be strong or harmful.
ADJ : ADJ n
9.
A soft target is a place or person that can easily be attacked.
Women who carry cash about in the streets, as they very often have to, are a very soft target.
= easy
ADJ
10.
Soft water does not contain much of the mineral calcium and so makes bubbles easily when you use soap.
≠ hard
ADJ
11.
If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you feel a great deal of affection for them or like them a lot.
Terry had a soft spot for me...
a soft touch: see touch
PHRASE : PHR after v , PHR n