Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The property or character of being soft, in any sense of that word.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The quality or state of being soft; -- opposed to hardness, and used in the various specific senses of the adjective.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The quality of being soft.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun acting in a manner that is gentle and mild and even-tempered
  • noun poor physical condition; being out of shape or out of condition (as from a life of ease and luxury)
  • noun a disposition to be lenient in judging others
  • noun the property of giving little resistance to pressure and being easily cut or molded
  • noun a visual property that is subdued and free from brilliance or glare
  • noun a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency
  • noun the quality of being indistinct and without sharp outlines
  • noun the quality of weather that is deliciously mild and soothing
  • noun the trait of being effeminate (derogatory of a man)
  • noun a state of declining economic condition

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

soft +‎ -ness

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word softness.

Examples

  • It speaks of a certain softness and homey feeling.

    faux amis - French Word-A-Day 2009

  • Nor, though the attributes of the lion were there, was there wanting the certain softness, the hint of womanliness, which bespoke the emotional nature.

    To The Man on the Trail 2010

  • Nor, though the attributes of the lion were there, was there wanting the certain softness, the hint of womanliness, which bespoke the emotional nature.

    TO THE MAN ON THE TRAIL 2010

  • But look at the dress, a knit cashmere number whose softness is evident to the eye.

    Katharine Graham: Portrait of a lady, on display in D.C. Robert G. Kaiser 2010

  • "The softness is what translated into the low scores," Toms said.

    USATODAY.com - Medinah carved up after wet, cloudy week 2006

  • But in spite of the tears, her face wore an expression of softness.

    Rhapsody In Time Judith O’Brien 1994

  • But in spite of the tears, her face wore an expression of softness.

    Rhapsody In Time Judith O’Brien 1994

  • But softness is repulsive; and thus all progress is seen to be a frantic struggle towards an objective which you hope and pray will never be reached.

    The Road to Wigan Pier 1937

  • Nor, though the attributes of the lion were there, was there wanting the certain softness, the hint of womanliness, which bespoke the emotional nature.

    To the Man on the Trail 1900

  • I think American women deficient in softness – sensibility – at least they do not exhibit much; but they are less demonstrative than women generally are, and this may make them appear less tender.

    Further Records, 1848-1883: A Series of Letters 1891

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.