SOFTENING UP Meaning and
Definition
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Softening up is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of making someone less resistant, more responsive, or more amenable to a particular idea, request, or action through various means. The term is often used in a metaphorical sense, describing the process of breaking down emotional barriers, preconceived notions, or resistance in order to create an environment more conducive to persuasion or agreement.
In interpersonal relationships, softening up might involve employing tactics such as empathetic listening, showing kindness or understanding, or engaging in positive interactions to foster trust and rapport. It can also involve using flattery, compliments, or other forms of persuasion to make an individual more open to a specific proposal or viewpoint.
Softening up can also be related to military strategy, where it refers to the preparatory actions taken before launching an attack. It involves weakening the enemy's defense by gradually wearing them down, disrupting their morale, or creating vulnerabilities. Psychological tactics, propaganda, or other forms of non-combative measures may be used to erode resistance and make the opposing force more susceptible to surrender or negotiation.
Overall, softening up involves methods aimed at changing someone's perspective or attitude, making them more receptive, and increasing the chances of achieving a desired outcome, be it in personal relationships, negotiations, or other specific contexts.
Common Misspellings for SOFTENING UP
- aoftening up
- zoftening up
- xoftening up
- doftening up
- eoftening up
- woftening up
- siftening up
- skftening up
- slftening up
- spftening up
- s0ftening up
- s9ftening up
- sodtening up
- soctening up
- sovtening up
- sogtening up
- sottening up
- sortening up
- sofrening up
- soffening up
Etymology of SOFTENING UP
The phrase "softening up" is derived from the verb "soften" and the particle "up".
The word "soften" originated from the Old English term "sōfte", which meant gentle or tender. Over time, it developed into the verb "soften", referring to the action of making something less hard or rigid, either physically or metaphorically. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "softijaną", which also had the same meaning.
The addition of the particle "up" in phrases like "soften up" has a broad sense of initiating or completing an action. In this context, it suggests the act of making someone or something more pliable, receptive, or vulnerable, often through various methods, such as persuasion, coercion, or manipulation.
