[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/softie/)

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# softie

noun (a softie, softies; also softy) — informal

«softie» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (informal) A softie is a kind, gentle person who is easily moved, often showing feelings openly. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#m1)
2. (informal, teasing) A softie can be someone who is not tough or brave, or who gives in easily. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#m2)

### In the lessons

Everyday family talk: «Dad's a big softie — he cried at the film.» It is usually friendly and loving, but can tease someone for being weak. In stories, a tough-looking character who turns out to be a softie is a common surprise.

### Examples

- My grandad looks grumpy but he is a big softie. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x1)
- Don't be such a softie; it is only a little rain! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x2)
- Our teacher is a softie when it comes to animals. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x3)
- The giant was a softie who loved flowers. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x4)
- Mum is a softie and always lets us stay up late. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x5)
- He cries at every film; he is a real softie. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/#x6)

### Note

Informal. Two spellings: softie or softy; plural softies. Usually affectionate. Opposite: tough nut, hard case.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «softie» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/S/softie/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«softie» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/softie.html) on Mova free.