S » soften › 1828-dictionary.com :: Making the First American Dictionary of the English Language Accessible

Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

May 27, 2012

Project::Noah

In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed... No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.

Preface to 1828 Dictionary

SEARCH

(3) Words.

soften
softened
softening

Words

Definitions

(3) Words.

soften
softened
softening

(105) Words.

Webster

KJV

To be ...

These Bibles or ...

... Completed

... Maybe you pick two (KJV vs Young's Literal) if logged in

S › soften

1828 Definition

SOFTEN, v.t. sof'n.

1. To make soft or more soft; to make less hard. their arrow's point they soften in the flame.

2. To mollify; to make less fierce or intractable; to make more susceptible of humane or fine feelings; as, to soften a hard heart; to soften savage natures. The heart is softened by pity. Diffidence concilliates the proud, and softens the severe.

3. To make less harsh or severe; as, to soften an expression.

4. To palliate; to represent as less enormous; as, to soften a fault.

5. To make easy; to compose; to mitigate; to alleviate. Music can soften the pain to ease.

6. To make calm and placid. Bid her be all that cheers or softens life.

7. To make less harsh, less rude, less offensive or violent. But sweetly temper'd awe, and soften'd all be spoke.

8. To make less glaring; as, to soften the coloring of a picture.

9. To make tender; to make effeminate; to enervate; as troops softened by luxury.

10. To make less harsh or grating; as, to soften the voice.

SOFTEN, v.i. sof'n. To become less hard; to become more pliable and yielding to pressure; as, irion or wax softens in heat; fruits soften as they ripen.

2. To become less rude, harsh or cruel; as, savage natures soften by civilization.

3. To become less obstinate or obdurate; to become more susceptible of humane feelings and tenderness; to relent. The heart softens at the sight of woe.

4. To become more mild; as, the air softens.

5. To become less harsh, severe or rigorous.

1913 Definition

Soften (soften)
v. t.	(?)
Sof"ten
[imp. ** p. p.* Softened (?)] p. pr. ** vb. n.* Softening.]

To make soft or more soft.

Specifically: --

(a)

To become soft or softened, or less rude, harsh, severe, or obdurate.

Noah Says...

When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty.

History of the United States :: 1832

Daron Shade is an industry leading commercial photographer

Specializing in high-impact images with dramatic lighting style, Daron Shade is in demand due to his keen eye for form and well developed style. His flexibility in creating images that exceeds his client needs keeps him on the cutting edge.

Browse
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Project::Noah

More info ...

The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed. The first initiatives of Project::Noah will involve the accessibility of the 1828 American dictionary.

Vision::Reprint

More info ...

The first vision, Vision::Reprint, has an intent to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25. The first task, Task::Access, involves the digitizing of the original 1828 dictionary. The dictionary is available in microfilm (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms) at many universities. To digitize the microfilm as a batch process requires a special scanner.

Vision::Redesign

More info ...

The second vision, Vision::Redesign, has an intent to improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary. Beyond the Task::XML, other tasks related to this Vision::Redesign include identifying features and functionality for this new website. In addition, plugins will be discussed and created to make the dictionary accessible in other ways: iPhone, Google widget, Firefox Add-on, etc.

Vision::Recapture

More info ...

The third vision, Vision::Recapture, has an intent to evoke the importance of Noah Webster in our American Heritage. This vision will manifest itself in a commissioned painting of Noah Webster. The process involved will require the input from concerned Americans. The final commission painting will be derived from initial sketches and digital compositions. Feedback from the community is essential for this vision's success throughout the entire process.

May 27, 2012