adj.
- easy to mould, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch.
▸having a smooth texture; not rough or coarse.
- (of light or shadow) pleasingly subtle; without sharp definition.
▸quiet and gentle.
- sympathetic or lenient, especially excessively so.
▸denoting a faction within a political party that is willing to compromise:
the soft left.
▸informal (of a job or way of life) requiring little effort.
- (of a drink) not alcoholic.
▸(of a drug) not likely to cause addiction.
- (of water) free from mineral salts.
-
(also soft-core)
(of pornography) suggestive but not explicit.
- (of a market, currency, or commodity) falling or likely to fall in value.
- informal foolish.
▸
(soft on)
infatuated with.
- (of radiation) having little penetrating power.
- (of a consonant) pronounced as a fricative (as c in ice).
- dialect (of weather) rainy, moist, or thawing.
adv.
- softly.
- informal foolishly:
don't talk soft.
Phrase
- have a soft spot for
be fond of. - soft touch
(also easy touch)
informal a person who is easily persuaded or imposed upon.
Derivative
- softish adj.
- softly adv.
- softness n.
Etymology
OE sōfte ‘agreeable, calm, gentle’, of W. Gmc origin.