easy to mould, cut, compress, or fold; not hard or firm to the touch

soft margarine

the ground was soft beneath their feet

having a pleasing quality involving a subtle effect or contrast rather than sharp definition

the soft glow of the lamps

the moon's pale light cast soft shadows

sympathetic, lenient, or compassionate, especially to a degree perceived as excessive; not strict or sufficiently strict

the government is not becoming soft on crime

Julia's soft heart was touched by his grief

(of a drink) not alcoholic

(of a market, currency, or commodity) falling or likely to fall in value

now a new factor looms: soft oil prices

the rouble, so soft that it buys nothing worth having

(of water) containing relatively low concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts and therefore lathering easily with soap

you use only half as much soap when you clean with soft water

foolish; silly

he must be going soft in the head

(of a consonant) pronounced as a fricative (as c in ice)