soothing

[soo-thing]

adjective

1. that soothes.

   a soothing voice.

2. tending to assuage pain.

   a soothing cough syrup.

ˈsoothing

/ ˈsuːðɪŋ /

adjective

1. having a calming, assuaging, or relieving effect

Other Word Forms

• soothingly adverb
• soothingness noun
• oversoothing adjective
• oversoothingly adverb
• self-soothing adjective
• unsoothing adjective
• unsoothingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of soothing¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; soothe + -ing ²

Example Sentences

She said she believed the theft may have been a part of a coping mechanism and likened herself to a foster child who may hoard items or food as a means of soothing themselves.

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Without her husband, Erika Kirk can no longer play the role of the soothing housewife.

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For Wonder, 75, Riperton’s music evokes a kinder, gentler era, her soothing voice an embodiment of “a commitment to music, a commitment to peace, a commitment to unity, a commitment to bringing people together.”

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Wives of politicians and pastors alike both have to juggle diplomacy work, serving dinners and soothing egos, so that their husbands can swoop in and close deals.

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His voice has an on-trend soothing quality, lending itself to music that is iconoclastic yet classic — rooted in his early influences, especially American R&B and soul, and interspersed with Japanese elements.

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Related Words

• calming www.thesaurus.com
• reassuring