| 释义 |
soft·en /ˈsɒfən，ˈsɔː-/ vt. | vi. | phr.
❶ vt.
1. 使变软，使软化；使软弱；使温和；使缓和
a cream for softening dry skin 使干燥的皮肤柔软的乳霜
Fry the onions for about 10 minutes to soften them. 把洋葱炒10分钟左右使之变软。
soften sb.'s attitude 使某人的态度软化
soften the dispute 使争论缓和下来
soften the blow 使打击减轻
soften the hostile policy toward the neighbouring countries 缓和对邻国的敌对政策
2. 使(灯光)变暗；使(声音)变轻；使(颜色)变淡
You need to soften the lighting. 你需要把照明弄暗些。
soften the roar of the engines 减弱发动机的轰隆声
❷ vi.
1. 变软，软化
Soap softens in water. 肥皂在水里会变软。
In spring the frozen ground began to soften. 在春天，冻土开始融化。
2. 变软弱；变温和；变缓和；减轻
His face seemed to soften a little. 他的脸色看上去变得温和些了。
She has softened with the passage of time. 随着时间的推移她变得温和了。
The wind was softening. 风势正在减弱。
phr. soften up 1. 使变软；使软化；使温和；安抚；变软 soften sb. up 安抚某人The child softened up the plasticine with his fingers. 孩子用手指把橡皮泥弄软。The material has begun to soften up. 这材料已开始变软。 2. 缓和；减轻；削弱 (力量)soften up enemy resistance by saturation bombing 用饱和轰炸削弱敌方的抵抗 3. (在进攻前用轰炸等)削弱 (敌方)的抵抗及士气 The beach defences were softened up before the landing crafts went in. 在登陆艇驶入以前，海滩防御工事已遭削弱。 |