softening of terms and conditions of aid

Record rains fell in western Japan early Wednesday, softening the ground.
記録的な雨が水曜日の未明に西日本で降り、地盤を緩めました。

Softening occurs during heating. 
加熱中に軟化が起こる。

softening of terms and conditions of aid
援助条件の緩和

light softening a bright color
どぎつい色を和らげる光

detect a softening of someone's face
（人）の表情が和むのが見える

feel the softening of relief and pleasure in the area of one's diaphragm
安堵と喜びで胸が温まる思いがする