French Conversation · Level 158
30 words
French word
adoucir
Pronunciation
IPA/adusiʁ/
Meaning
- verbease
Example
Ce médicament va adoucir la douleur.
This medicine will ease the pain.
More examples
Il a tenté d'adoucir le ton pendant la réunion.
He tried to soften the tone during the meeting.
Core concept
Something hard, bitter, or severe becoming milder for the person receiving it.
Common phrases
adoucir la douleur
ease the pain
adoucir le ton
soften the tone
Similar words
atténuer: To reduce the strength and impact of pain, light, or sound.
apaiser: To soothe anger or anxiety and restore emotional calm.
calmer: To restrain agitation or anxiety and make a person or situation peaceful.
modérer: To make words or actions less forceful and more moderate.
Definition in French
Modifier quelque chose de manière à en atténuer la violence, l'aigreur ou la dureté, tant physiquement que moralement.
Word origin
French created adoucir from doux by adding a- and -ir, extending the idea of softness to physical effects and words or attitudes.
Usage tips
- Adoucir le ton and adoucir une critique are natural uses for making speech less severe, not just for changing a physical object.