Problem: Word: softness

Sentence 1: Suddenly her gigantic power melted into softness for the baby.

Sentence 2: He attributes the disappointing results to softness in the economy.

Same meaning?
A: different meanings

Problem: Word: picture

Sentence 1: She was the picture of despair.

Sentence 2: The very picture of a modern general.

Same meaning?
A: the same meaning

Problem: Word: thread

Sentence 1: A thread of smoke climbed upward.

Sentence 2: From the air the road was a grey thread.

Same meaning?
A: the same meaning

Problem: Word: apology

Sentence 1: The CEO made a public apology for the scandal, and promised full cooperation with the authorities.

Sentence 2: What he said really hurt my feelings, but his apology sounded so sincere that I couldn't help but forgive him.

Same meaning?
A:
the same meaning