Soft describes something that yields easily to touch or pressure, the opposite of hard or firm. A pillow is soft because it gives way when you press it. A kitten's fur feels soft against your hand. Soft clay molds easily in your fingers, while soft bread compresses when you squeeze it.

The word also describes gentleness in sound, light, or manner. A soft voice is quiet and gentle, not harsh or loud. Soft lighting creates a gentle, comfortable glow rather than harsh brightness. When someone has a soft spot for stray animals, they feel especially tender and caring toward them.

Soft can suggest something less intense or less demanding. A teacher might be soft on students who forget homework, meaning lenient rather than strict. Soft skills like teamwork and communication are important but harder to measure than technical abilities. A soft deadline has some flexibility built in.

Sometimes the word carries a hint of weakness: a soft defense in basketball lets opponents score too easily. But often softness is exactly what's needed. A soft landing cushions the impact. A soft answer can calm an angry person.