"Soft-pedal" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
To soften or modify something in order to make it less severe or unpleasant, often in order to avoid causing offense or controversy.
Example: The company downplayed the risk, soft-pedaling on the dangers of the new drug to keep investors happy.
The politician was accused of soft-pedaling the crisis, downplaying its severity to avoid panic.
The new employee was asked to soft-pedal their criticism of the company's policies to fit in with the harmonious team atmosphere.
The journalist tried to soft-pedal the news, but the shocked reaction of her sources gave away her true intentions.
The politician's attempt to soft-pedal the economic downturn was met with skepticism by the public.
The company's advertising slogan soft-pedaled the harsh realities of the products, suggesting a glossy and unrealistic image.
A sofa, also known as a couch or settee, is a piece of furniture designed for sitting or reclining, typically designed for multiple users and often with a back and arms.
Long, upholstered pieces of furniture, typically with a back, arms, and cushions, designed for seating and relaxing, often found in living rooms or sitting rooms.
A sofer (also spelled sopher or soffaer) is a Jewish scribe who is trained in the sacred craft of writing sacred Jewish texts by hand, such as the Torah. To be considered a sofer, one must undergo extensive training in calligraphy and be knowledgeable in Jewish law and tradition regarding the proper writing and formatting of these texts. Their work is considered a sacred trust, and their handwritten copies of the Torah are highly revered and often passed down through generations.
Soft refers to something that is not firm or hard to the touch; having a gentle or yielding texture.<br><br>Example: "The soft blanket was a comfort to snuggle up with."<br><br>It can also describe something that is easy to deal with or requires minimal effort; not severe or harsh.<br><br>Example: "The teacher gave us a soft hint to help us understand the concept."<br><br>Additionally, soft can refer to a sound that is not loud or harsh; having a gentle or muted quality.<br><br>Example: "The soft piano music created a soothing atmosphere."<br><br>In a figurative sense, soft can describe someone or something that is gentle, kind, or yielding in nature.<br><br>Example: "She has a soft spot for stray animals."<br><br>It can also describe a policy or approach that is gentle and not strong or firm.<br><br>Example: "The government implemented a soft approach to handle the economic crisis."
Soft-boiled refers to something that is cooked lightly, especially eggs, in milk or water but not hard. The term is often used to describe a type of egg dish in which the yolks are still runny. It can also be used to describe a genre of mystery novels that are lighter and more humorous than traditional whodunits, often featuring an amateur detective who often solves the mystery before the official detective, with a simpler and more frivolous plot than typical detective fiction.
To make or become less sharp or severe; to become less firm or rigid; to reduce the severity or intensity of something.<br><br>Example: "The chef added more milk to soften the sauce."
Made less harsh or severe; made gentler or less intense.<br><br>Example: "The softened lighting in the room made it easier on her eyes."<br><br>Types of softened include:<br><br> Soothing: calming and comforting someone or something<br> Mellowed: less intense or severe<br> Temperate: neither too hot nor too cold, or not extreme<br> Gentle: mild or kind
A substance or preparation that is used to soften water or make it more palatable for household use, typically by removing calcium and magnesium ions.