Comparative form of soft; more yielding to pressure, gentler in quality, or less harsh in effect. Having reduced intensity or firmness.
Old English 'sōfte' meaning 'gentle, mild, smooth', related to Old High German 'samfti'. The comparative '-er' follows standard English patterns for gradable adjectives.
The word 'soft' beautifully demonstrates synesthesia in language - we use the same word for physical texture, emotional gentleness, quiet sounds, and muted colors. 'Softer' extends this metaphorical richness across all our senses simultaneously.
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