adj
soft
soft
adj
1
Giving way easily under pressure; not hard or firm.
"The bread was still soft and warm from the oven."
"She sank into the soft cushions of the armchair."
2
Gentle, mild, or quiet, rather than harsh or intense.
"He spoke in a soft voice so as not to wake the baby."
3
Lenient or lacking firmness, especially regarding rules or discipline.
"Critics say the policy is too soft on crime."
How to Use Soft
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot hard, harsh, or intense — used for textures, sounds, light, and even attitudes or rules.
Common mistake
When describing a lenient policy or person, "soft on" is the standard phrasing ("soft on crime").
Common pairings
soft voice
soft on crime
go soft
Word Forms
softer comparative, more soft comparative, softs plural, softest superlative, most soft superlative
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Etymology
From Old English softe, from a Germanic root meaning "smooth, even, agreeable" — related to the word "same."