1. (

• mince ,
• soften ,
• moderate ,

) make less severe or harsh; "He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears" ;

2. (

• mince

) walk daintily; "She minced down the street" ;

3. (

• mince

) cut into small pieces; "mince the garlic" ;

1. (

• mincing ,
• niminy-piminy ,
• prim ,
• twee

) affectedly dainty or refined ;