(~er, ~est)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
Something that is ~ is pleasant to touch, and not rough or hard.
Regular use of a body lotion will keep the skin ~ and supple...
...warm, ~, white towels.
? rough
ADJ
~ness
The sea air robbed her hair of its ~ness.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
Something that is ~ changes shape or bends easily when you press it.
She lay down on the ~, comfortable bed...
Add enough milk to form a ~ dough.
...~ cheese.
? hard, firm
ADJ
3.
Something that has a ~ appearance has smooth curves rather than sharp or distinct edges.
This is a smart, yet ~ and feminine look.
...the ~ curves of her body.
= gentle
? hard
ADJ
~ly
She wore a ~ly tailored suit.
...a fresh, modern hairstyle which has long layers falling ~ly on the neck.
ADV: ADV with v
4.
Something that is ~ is very gentle and has no force. For example, a ~ sound or voice is quiet and not harsh. A ~ light or colour is pleasant to look at because it is not bright.
There was a ~ tapping on my door...
When he woke again he could hear ~ music.
= gentle
ADJ
~ly
She crossed the ~ly lit room...
She bent forward and kissed him ~ly.
ADV: ADV with v
5.
If you are ~ on someone, you do not treat them as strictly or severely as you should do.
The president says the measure is ~ and weak on criminals...
? hard
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ, oft ADJ on n disapproval
6.
If you say that someone has a ~ heart, you mean that they are sensitive and sympathetic towards other people.
Her rather tough and worldly exterior hides a very ~ and sensitive heart.
? hard
ADJ approval
7.
You use ~ to describe a way of life that is easy and involves very little work.
The regime at Latchmere could be seen as a ~ 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 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~ spot for someone or something, you feel a great deal of affection for them or like them a lot.
Terry had a ~ spot for me...
a ~ touch: see touch
PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR n