ripen means to grow ripe; to become mature (said of grain, fruit, flowers etc.). Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
ripen is pronounced /ˈɹaɪpən/.
Etymology
From Middle English *ripenen, extended form of ripen, from Old English rīpian. In the modern form, equivalent to ripe + -en (inchoative and factitive suffix). As in several other verbs, the alteration seems to have occurred during the time when the infinitive and plural ending -en was in the process of being lost (and was thus open to reinterpretation). The earliest attestation is deverbal Middle English ripening (“causing ripeness, ripening”).
verb
- to grow ripe; to become mature (said of grain, fruit, flowers etc.)“Grapes ripen in the sun.”
- To approach or come to perfection.“The acquaintance soon ripened into a warm attachment.”
- To cause (something) to mature; to make ripe“The warm sun ripened the corn.”
- To mature; to fit or prepare; to bring to perfection“ripen the judgment”