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1 N‑UNCOUNT Sodium is a silvery-white chemical element which combines with other chemicals. Salt is a sodium compound. □  The fish or seafood is heavily salted with pure sodium chloride. □  …one level teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder.

2 ADJ [ADJ n] Sodium lighting gives out a strong orange light. □  …the orange glow of the sodium streetlamps.

sodo|my /sɒ dəmi/ N‑UNCOUNT Sodomy is anal sexual intercourse.

sofa /soʊ fə/ (sofas ) N‑COUNT A sofa is a long, comfortable seat with a back and usually with arms, which two or three people can sit on.

so fa bed (sofa beds ) also sofa-bed N‑COUNT A sofa bed is a type of sofa whose seat folds out so that it can also be used as a bed.

soft ◆◆◇ /sɒ ft, [AM ] sɔː ft/ (softer , softest )

1 ADJ Something that is soft is pleasant to touch, and not rough or hard. □  Regular use of a body lotion will keep the skin soft and supple. □  …warm, soft, white towels. ●  soft|ness N‑UNCOUNT □  The sea air robbed her hair of its softness.

2 ADJ Something that is soft changes shape or bends easily when you press it. □  She lay down on the soft, comfortable bed. □  Add enough milk to form a soft dough. □  …soft cheese.

3 ADJ Something that has a soft appearance has smooth curves rather than sharp or distinct edges. □  This is a smart, yet soft and feminine look. □  …the soft curves of her body. ●  soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  She wore a softly tailored suit. □  …a fresh, modern hairstyle which has long layers falling softly on the neck.

4 ADJ Something that is soft is very gentle and has no force. For example, a soft sound or voice is quiet and not harsh. A soft light or colour is pleasant to look at because it is not bright. □  There was a soft tapping on my door. □  When he woke again he could hear soft music. ●  soft|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  She crossed the softly lit room. □  She bent forward and kissed him softly.

5 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are soft on someone, you do not treat them as strictly or severely as you should do. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ [+ on ] The president says the measure is soft and weak on criminals.

6 ADJ If you say that someone has a soft heart , you mean that they are sensitive and sympathetic towards other people. [APPROVAL ] □  Her rather tough and worldly exterior hides a very soft and sensitive heart.

7 ADJ You use soft to describe a way of life that is easy and involves very little work. □  The regime at Latchmere could be seen as a soft option.

8 ADJ [ADJ n] Soft drugs are drugs, such as cannabis, which are illegal but which many people do not consider to be strong or harmful.

9 ADJ A soft target is a place or person that can easily be attacked. □  Women who carry cash about in the streets, as they very often have to, are a very soft target.

10 ADJ Soft water does not contain much of the mineral calcium and so makes bubbles easily when you use soap.

11 PHRASE If you have a soft spot for someone or something, you feel a great deal of affection for them or like them a lot. □  Terry had a soft spot for me.

12a soft touch → see touch SYNONYMS soft ADJ

1

silky:Claire smoothed Katy's silky hair.

velvety:The grass grew thick and velvety.

smooth:…a rich cream that keeps skin soft and smooth.

2

pliable:As your baby grows bigger, his bones become less pliable.

flexible:…brushes with long, flexible bristles.

spongy:The earth was spongy from rain.