The spelling of the word "resoften" can be a bit confusing when broken down phonetically. The word is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a stressed "o" sound, represented in IPA as /ˌri:sɒfˈən/. The "re-" prefix means "again" or "back", while "soften" means to become less hard or rigid. Therefore, "resoften" means to make something soft again, or to revert back to a softened state. Despite its uncommon use, the spelling of "resoften" follows standard English phonetics.
The term "resoften" refers to the process of making something soft again, after it has become hard, stiff, or rigid. This verb is formed from the combination of the prefix "re-", which means "again" or "back", and the word "soften", which means to make or become soft.
When an object has lost its softness due to various factors such as dryness, exposure to heat, or aging, resoften is the action of reversing that change. It involves applying a specific technique or procedure to restore the original soft texture of the object. For example, if a piece of bread becomes hard and stale, resoften implies the action of moistening it or applying heat to revive its softness and freshness.
The term can also be used in a figurative sense, describing the process of emotionally or mentally softening an individual after they have become hardened, closed off, or emotionally distant. It implies the actions of nurturing, providing support, or engaging in activities that help the person regain their open and compassionate nature.
In summary, the term "resoften" refers to the act of making something soft again, either through physical means or through emotional or mental engagement, overcoming the hardness or rigidity that had previously been acquired.
The word "resoften" is a derivative of the word "soften", which has its origins in Middle English.
The Middle English word for "soften" was "souften", which came from the Old English word "sōfte". The Old English word itself dates back to the Germanic language family and can be traced to the Proto-Germanic root word "*samftijaną", meaning "to make soft".
Over time, the "souften" in Middle English underwent changes in pronunciation and spelling, ultimately evolving into "soften" in Modern English. The prefix "re-" is added to the word to indicate repetition or restoration, giving us the term "resoften".