softening

[saw-fuhn, sof-uhn]

verb (used with object)

to make soft or softer.

verb (used without object)

to become soft or softer.

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Softening is always a great word to know.

So is quincunx. Does it mean:

an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.

Origin:
1325–75; Middle English; see soft, -en¹

Related forms

o·ver·soft·en, verb

re·sof·ten, verb

un·soft·en·ing, adjective

Synonyms
1. melt; mollify, mitigate, soothe, alleviate, calm, quiet, ease.

Antonyms
1, 2. harden.

WordNet

softening
adjective
1.	having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin [syn: demulcent]
noun
1.	the process of becoming softer; "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"; "he observed the softening of iron by heat"