Softness is the quality of being gentle, yielding, or pleasant to touch. A kitten's fur has softness, as does a well-worn cotton t-shirt or fresh-baked bread. When you press something soft, it gives way under your fingers rather than resisting like metal or stone.

The word can describe physical texture, but also personality and behavior. A teacher might show softness by speaking gently to a student who's having a hard day. Parents demonstrate softness when they comfort a child with a hug rather than harsh words. This kind of softness means being understanding and kind, though it doesn't mean being weak. Someone can be soft in their approach while still being firm about what matters.

Softness also describes sounds and light. A soft voice is quiet and soothing, while soft lighting creates a warm, comfortable glow rather than harsh brightness. Musicians might play a passage softly to create a gentle mood.

The opposite of softness is hardness, which can mean either physical rigidity or emotional toughness. Both qualities have their place: you need hardness in a diving board and softness in a pillow, just as you sometimes need to be tough and other times need to be gentle.