"However, providing employment conditions don't deteriorate markedly from a more recent softening, buyer demand should hold up relatively well and, taking all this into account, we're continuing to anticipate modest house price growth this year."

Could the dinner indicate a softening of relations?

Defra suggested softening the policy to exempt some older people, possibly those over the age of 80.

By comparison, Harris and the Democrats are experiencing a softening in support from key parts of their base such as Black, Hispanic and Latino voters.

His office then edited the press release after publication, softening it by adding the word “potential” before noncitizens.