The words "smooth" and "soft" are often confused, but they describe different textures and feelings. Smooth refers to a surface that is even and without bumps or roughness. Soft refers to something that is yielding to pressure, not firm or hard. Think of it this way: something can be smooth but not soft (like a smooth, hard stone), and something can be soft but not smooth (like a fluffy, uneven carpet).

Let's look at some examples to clarify:

• Smooth:

  • "The baby's skin is so smooth." (Meaning: The baby's skin is even and free from bumps or roughness.)
  • "The car had a smooth ride." (Meaning: The car's movement was even and without jolts.)

• Soft:

  • "The blanket is so soft." (Meaning: The blanket yields easily to pressure; it's not firm or hard.)
  • "She has soft hands." (Meaning: Her hands are gentle and not rough.)

Sometimes, the words can overlap. For example, a soft blanket might also be smooth, but this is not always the case. A soft pillow might be fluffy and uneven, therefore not smooth. The key is to focus on the qualities of evenness versus yielding to pressure.

Here are more examples to illustrate the difference:

• Smooth: The surface of the lake was smooth as glass. (The lake's surface was even and without waves.) Translation: The lake's surface was even and without waves.
• Soft: The kitten's fur felt soft against my skin. (The kitten's fur yielded easily to pressure.) Translation: The kitten's fur yielded easily to pressure.
• Smooth: He has smooth dance moves. (His movements were even and graceful.) Translation: His movements were even and graceful.
• Soft: The music had a soft melody. (The music was gentle and quiet.) Translation: The music was gentle and quiet.

Remember the core difference: smooth is about evenness, while soft is about yielding to pressure. Consider the surface and how it feels to the touch when choosing between these two words.

Happy learning!