noun

soft spot

soft SPOT

Soft spot (noun) means a particular fondness or affection for someone or something, often one that overrides better judgement. Example: “She has a soft spot for stray cats.”

noun

A particular fondness or affection for someone or something, often one that overrides better judgement.

"She has a soft spot for stray cats."

"My grandad always had a soft spot for me."

The gap between the skull bones on top of a baby's head, covered only by skin and membrane, which closes during the first two years.

"Support the head and avoid pressing on the soft spot."

A point at which something is vulnerable to attack or failure.

"The audit found a soft spot in the payment system's authentication."

How to use soft spot

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething or someone you can't help liking.

When to use it

Informal in the affection sense and almost always in the frame have a soft spot for.

Memory tip

Soft spot for is affection. Soft spot in is a weakness in a structure or system.

Easily confused with

weak spot fontanelle → blind spot

Common pairings

have a soft spot for a real soft spot always had a soft spot

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She has a _____ for stray cats.

Synonyms

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fondness weakness liking partiality fontanelle weak point vulnerability Achilles heel

Related words

power heart balance vice desire exposure loving failing

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a soft spot and a weak spot?

A soft spot is usually affectionate: liking something more than you should. A weak spot is purely a vulnerability. Only soft spot takes for plus a person you are fond of.

When does a baby's soft spot close?

The small one at the back usually closes within a couple of months and the large one on top between about twelve and eighteen months, sometimes up to two years. Ask a health visitor or doctor if you are concerned about your own child.

What is the meaning of soft spot?

"soft spot" (noun) means a particular fondness or affection for someone or something, often one that overrides better judgement.

What is another word for soft spot?

Other words for "soft spot" include fondness, weakness, liking, partiality, fontanelle, weak point.

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