The spelling of the word "soft corner" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The IPA transcription for "soft" is /sɒft/, indicating that the "o" sound is pronounced like the "o" in "lot", and the "t" is aspirated. The transcription for "corner" is /kɔːnə/, indicating that the "o" sound is pronounced like the "o" in "more", and the final "r" is not pronounced. Together, the two words form a compound noun that refers to a place of emotional vulnerability.
Soft corner refers to a deep feeling of affection, empathy, or sympathy towards someone or something. It is an emotional attachment that one develops for a particular person, an idea, a cause, or an object. Having a soft corner for someone implies having a special place in one's heart for that person and often involves feeling protective and caring towards them.
This term is often used to describe a kind of fondness that goes beyond ordinary liking. It suggests a personal inclination or bias towards someone or something, which may result in favoring or showing leniency towards them. For instance, a person may have a soft corner for their sibling, meaning they have a strong affection and are inclined to be more understanding and forgiving towards them.
The concept of a "soft corner" can also be applied to objects or ideas. For example, a person might have a soft corner for a particular book genre or a specific sports team. This implies that they possess a deep passion or attachment to that object or idea, which may lead them to have a more favorable view or support it more enthusiastically.
Overall, having a soft corner represents an emotional connection that involves compassion, affection, and support towards a person, an idea, a cause, or an object. It is a term that acknowledges the existence of deep-seated feelings of warmth and endorsement in an individual's heart.
The etymology of the phrase "soft corner" is derived from its metaphorical usage. The word "soft" typically refers to something that is gentle, flexible, or lacking hardness. Meanwhile, a "corner" is a sharp or defined edge where two surfaces meet. Thus, when combined, "soft corner" metaphorically represents a flexible or lenient approach, often referring to a person's sympathetic or compassionate stance towards a specific issue or person.