缓和 (huǎn hé) means 'to ease, alleviate' (verb) or 'mild, relaxed' (adjective). As a verb, it focuses on easing tensions, contradictions, or situations — broader than 缓解 (huǎn jiě), which targets pain, stress, or crises. As an adjective, it describes a tone or atmosphere that is mild and relaxed, less intense than 温和 (wēn hé 'gentle, moderate') or 平和 (píng hé 'placid, calm').