Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

soft science

noun

/sɔft ˈsaɪəns/

Definition

A field of study that relies on methods of inquiry that are less quantitative and more subjective compared to the natural sciences.

Examples

Psychology is often considered a soft science because it studies complex human emotions and behaviors.
Unlike hard sciences such as physics or chemistry, soft science fields may rely more on qualitative methods.

Meaning

Soft science refers to disciplines that focus on human behavior, social structures, and cultural phenomena, which may not always yield precise measurements or results like the hard sciences.