softener
Softener (noun) means a substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric. Example: “They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes.”
How to use softener
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething added to a process — like laundry or plumbing — specifically to make things softer.
Word forms
softeners plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They installed a water _____ to stop limescale building up in the pipes.
Etymology
From Middle English softener, built from soften plus the agent-suffix -er.
Rhymes for softener
Frequently asked questions
What does “softener” mean?
The word “softener” means a substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric. In plain terms, something added to a process — like laundry or plumbing — specifically to make things softer.
How do you pronounce “softener”?
“Softener” is pronounced SO-fuh-nuhr (/ˈsɔfənər/ in IPA).
How do you use “softener” in a sentence?
Here is “softener” used in a sentence: “They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes.”
What part of speech is “softener”?
“Softener” is a noun.
Where does the word “softener” come from?
The word “softener” comes from Middle English. From Middle English softener, built from soften plus the agent-suffix -er.