✅ Cushion means to lessen the effects of something (I tried to cushion the blow by being upbeat and supportive).

✅ Soften means to make something softer or easier to handle (I softened the bad news by leading with good news).

✅ Both of these words can mean to make something less difficult or less intense (cushion a fall; soften a blow).

✅ Soften can also mean to make something physically softer or make something less harsh (A warm environment will soften the butter; She softened when she saw he was upset).

✅ A trunk is a large and sturdy chest, usually used for transporting clothes or other kinds of luggage (A large, mysterious trunk was delivered to our door).

✅ A locker is a chest or other kind of compartment that can be locked and usually stores clothes and personal items (I left my things in a locker while I went for a swim).

✅ These words both refer to places where things can be stored safely for a period of time.

✅ A locker is usually used in a school or gym to store things temporarily. A trunk is usually used to transport and store things, often for a longer period of time, and can be moved around as needed.

✅ Obvious refers to something that is easily seen or understood (an obvious lie).

✅ Discernible refers to something that can be perceived, seen, or understood (Her good intentions were discernible).

✅ These words both describe things that can be understood or recognized.

✅ Obvious suggests that something can be seen easily, whereas discernible simply means that it can be seen.