softened
UK: ˈsɒfənd | US: ˈsɔːfənd
adj. made less hard or severe
vt. past tense of "soften" (to make or become less hard, harsh, or intense)
The word "softened" combines the verb "soften," derived from Old English "sōftian" (to soften, make gentle), with the suffix "-ed," indicating past tense or participle form. "Soften" itself originates from the adjective "soft" (Old English "sōfte," meaning gentle or mild), which traces back to Proto-Germanic *samftijaz. The addition of "-en" transforms the adjective into a verb, a common pattern in English (e.g., "weak" → "weaken"). The morpheme "-ed" follows standard English conjugation rules, marking completed action.
The fabric softened after repeated washes.
Her tone softened when she saw his distress.
The butter softened quickly in the warm kitchen.
He softened his criticism to avoid offending anyone.
Over time, the strict rules were softened to accommodate more people.