soft
UK[sɒft]US[sɔːft]
adj
easy to mould, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch
adj
having a pleasing quality involving a subtle effect or contrast rather than sharp definition
adj
sympathetic, lenient, or compassionate, especially to a degree perceived as weak
adj
(of a drink) not alcoholic
Etymology
the word 'soft' originates from the old english 'sōfte', meaning agreeable, calm, or gentle. this old english term is derived from the west germanic 'samfti', which itself evolved from the proto-germanic 'samftijaz', meaning level, even, or smooth. the ultimate root can be traced back to the proto-indo-european 'semp-', meaning 'one' or 'together', suggesting a sense of unity and smoothness. over centuries, the meaning evolved from describing physical smoothness and evenness to encompassing a wide range of qualities related to gentleness, lack of hardness, and mildness in both physical and abstract senses.
Analysis
the word 'soft' is a simplex word of old english origin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
the kitten's fur was incredibly soft and fluffy.
she spoke in a soft voice to avoid waking the baby.
he ordered a soft drink instead of beer at the party.