(archaic) Third-person singular simple present indicative form of soften

Capable of being softened.

(archaic) second-person singular simple present form of soften

plural of softening

To completely negate or undermine someone's argument or position on a topic. / To humble or humiliate; put someone in his place. / To ease or sooth someone's cough.

(idiomatic, often followed by for) To prepare or create favorable conditions (for something), especially with the intent of improving public acceptance of the forthcoming occurrence.

Alternative form of soften the ground

(figuratively) To reduce the negative impact of something.

(dated) The female sex; womenkind.