noun
softy
Softy (noun) means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict. Example: “He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids.”
noun
1
A person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict.
"He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids."
"Dad's a softy — he always lets us stay up late."
How to use softy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who is gentle-hearted, sentimental, or finds it hard to be firm or say no.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "softie," the slang term for a Microsoft employee.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a real softy
such a softy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like softy.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- softies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He acts tough, but he's a real _____ when it comes to his kids.
Etymology
Built from soft plus the informal suffix -y.
Related words
Rhymes for softy
See all rhymes for softy →Frequently asked questions
What does “softy” mean?
The word “softy” means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict. In plain terms, someone who is gentle-hearted, sentimental, or finds it hard to be firm or say no.
How do you use “softy” in a sentence?
Here is “softy” used in a sentence: “He acts tough, but he's a real softy when it comes to his kids.”
What part of speech is “softy”?
“Softy” is a noun.
What is the meaning of softy?
"softy" (noun) means a person who is easily moved, overly kind, or reluctant to be strict.
