The spelling of the phrase "become soft" is relatively straightforward. The first syllable, "be," is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, represented by the IPA symbol /bɛ/. The second syllable, "come," is pronounced with a long 'o' sound, represented by the IPA symbol /kʌm/. Finally, the word "soft" is spelled and pronounced as expected, with a soft 's' sound and a short 'o' sound, represented by the IPA symbols /sɒft/. Together, the phrase is pronounced /bɛˈkʌm sɒft/.
"Become soft" is a phrase that refers to the process of something transforming or losing its original hardness or firmness, resulting in a softer texture or state. This change can occur in a wide range of materials, substances, or even abstract concepts.
In the context of physical materials, "become soft" commonly pertains to the alteration in the physical state of certain objects due to heat, pressure, moisture, or other factors. For instance, a solid substance, such as ice or metal, can become soft as it undergoes the process of melting or heating. Similarly, certain textiles, like fabric or leather, may also undergo softening when subjected to moisture, heat, or repeated use over time.
The phrase "become soft" can also extend beyond the physical realm and be used metaphorically to describe the transformation or change in abstract concepts, such as attitudes, ideas, or personalities. In this context, "become soft" suggests a shift towards leniency, compassion, or emotional vulnerability. For example, someone who was once firm or stern may become soft-hearted or more understanding after experiencing a life-changing event or through personal growth.
Overall, "become soft" encompasses a broad spectrum of definitions depending on the specific context in which it is used, conveying the idea of transformation towards a softer, less rigid, or more pliable state.
The term "become soft" does not have a distinct etymology as it is a combination of two separate words. Nonetheless, we can explore the etymology of each word individually:
1. Become: The word "become" can be traced back to the Old English word "becuman", which means "to come, arrive, or happen". It has also derived from the Old High German word "biqueman" meaning "to come to, obtain", and the Gothic word "biquiman" meaning "to appear". In Middle English, the word evolved to "bicomen" and later to "become" with the same meaning we use today.
2. Soft: The term "soft" has a rich etymology. It stems from the Old English word "sōfte", which originally meant "gentle or mild".