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softening

softening

3.7
Makes skin softer and less irritated
  • adjective
  • /ˈsɔːftənɪŋ/
translation icon : suavizante
  • Using the softening balm helped reduce irritation after shaving.

But I picked up the skin softening cleanser.

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Examples

  • I will say though, it's really softening the look of my pores.

  • But I picked up the skin softening cleanser.

  • Oh, it's really softening out the look of my skin.

  • This seems like it's softening the pinkness, just ever so slightly.

  • Just little things hugging and kind of softening some of the edges.

  • This says Glam glow good in beds, passionfruit softening night cream.

  • Richly lathering, skin softening, body wash and sense like Redwood.

  • So this says superbly softening salty shampoo to make hair shiny.

  • The lotion has a softening effect that leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

  • Her skin looked radiant after applying the softening cream last night.

Synonyms

soothing
vssoftening
81 2.9

That makes pain or worry feel less strong

centers on skin relief and surface improvement rather than general comfort
emollient
vssoftening
1 7.8

Making the skin soft and less irritated

is the general idea combining relief and skin surface improvement
salving
vssoftening
1 7.3

Making skin feel softer and less sore

includes both easing discomfort and improving skin surface, not only topical care
demulcent
vssoftening
  • Specialized
9.9

Making irritated skin or the throat feel less sore

focuses on skin relief and texture rather than mucous membrane protection

Antonyms

80 2.9

Making someone feel annoyed or impatient

47 3.9

Very strong and unpleasant to the senses, like bright light or bitter taste

How Soothing

healing
2.6
soothing
81 2.9
softening
3.7
calming
6 2.6
to gentle
1 5.8

Surface Forms

softening positive

Morphology

softening = soften (transparent) = soft + en + ing

Formed by adding '-ing' to the verb 'soften' (itself 'soft' + '-en'), yielding an adjectival participle whose meaning is clearly derived from 'soft'.

Etymology

Softening comes from soft meaning 'not hard' and the ending -en meaning 'make', with -ing turning it into an effect. So a softening cream 'makes' skin gentle and calm, which is why it soothes and helps rough skin feel better.