Softening has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Adjective
Noun
1
the process of becoming softer
"refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"
"he observed the softening of iron by heat"
2
The process of making something soft.
Verb
1
present participle of soften
Adjective
1
having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)