amolecer

Senses

1. 1.

   to soften

   to make or become soft or tender (physically)

2. 2.

   to soften, to mellow

   to make or become less harsh or severe (emotionally)

3. 3.

   to weaken

   to lose strength, resolve, or resistance

Examples

• "Deixe a manteiga amolecer em temperatura ambiente antes de usar."

  Let the butter soften at room temperature before using.

• "A história triste amoleceu o coração dele."

  The sad story softened his heart.

• "Ele amoleceu e deixou os filhos irem à festa."

  He softened up and let the kids go to the party.

Usage

Regular -er verb. Can be used transitively (amolecer algo/alguém) or intransitively (o bolo amoleceu). Common collocation: "amolecer o coração" (to soften someone's heart). In informal speech, often used to describe someone giving in to persuasion or pressure.