Softness
['sɔftnɪs]
Definition
(noun.) a disposition to be lenient in judging others; 'softness is not something permitted of good leaders'.
(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; 'the softness of the morning sky'.
(noun.) a sound property that is free from loudness or stridency; 'and in softness almost beyond hearing'.
(noun.) a state of declining economic condition; 'orders have recently picked up after a period of extreme softness'; 'he attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy'.
Typed by Jerry--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The quality or state of being soft; -- opposed to hardness, and used in the various specific senses of the adjective.
Typed by Andy
Examples
- She still preserved her proud manner, but there was a touch of softness in her voice, as she answered: 'I justify nothing. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- I have no softness there, no--sympathy--sentiment--nonsense. Charles Dickens. Great Expectations.
- Gold is seldom used for any purpose in a state of perfect purity on account of its softness, but is combined with some other metal to render it harder. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Wery sing'ler,' said Sam, inwardly congratulating himself upon the softness of the stranger. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- But he was not, and he turned his eyes aside, that he might not be tempted to softness. Thomas Hardy. The Return of the Native.
- He was aware, too, of his own delicately coloured lights casting their softness behind him. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- In the next place, drunkenness and softness and indolence are utterly unbecoming the character of our guardians. Plato. The Republic.
- And luxury and softness are blamed, because they relax and weaken this same creature, and make a coward of him? Plato. The Republic.
- However, had they been married, they would no doubt by their severity as husbands have made up for their softness as suitors; and so will you, I fear. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- The dew fell, but with propitious softness; no breeze whispered. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
- The sweet tones of her voice, and the softness of her reply, impressed on the audience a sentiment of pity and sympathy. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- The deep fervor of Tom's feelings, the softness of his voice, his tears, fell like dew on the wild, unsettled spirit of the poor woman. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- And in like manner does the touch adequately perceive the qualities of thickness or thinness, of softness or hardness? Plato. The Republic.
- It has been wrought into a softness that lends its susceptible nature to the influence of magnetism, and has been hardened into steel to form the sword and cutting tool. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- She thought Gudrun so CHARMING, so infinitely charming, in her softness and her fine, exquisite richness of texture and delicacy of line. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
Checked by Cordelia