blacken
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈblækən/
KK: /ˈblækən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To change in color to dark or black, often due to burning or decay.
Example
The sky began to blacken as the storm approached.
Tense Forms
Past: blackened
Past Participle: blackened
Conversation
I can't believe how quickly it got dark outside.
Yeah, the sky really started to blacken after sunset.
It feels like the day blackened in just a few minutes.
I know! It always surprises me how fast it happens.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
darken
dim
fade
Antonyms
lighten
brighten
shine
transitive verb
Definition
To make something black or to cover it with a dark color.
Example
The chef decided to blacken the fish before serving it.
Tense Forms
Past: blackened
Past Participle: blackened
Conversation
Have you ever tried to blacken fish before?
Yeah, I did it once, and it turned out really good!
What spices did you use to blacken it?
Root Explanation
Blacken → It is formed from "black" (from Old English "blæc", meaning dark or the color black) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to cause to become). The word "blacken" means to cause something to become black or dark.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'black' meaning dark, and the suffix '-en' indicating a change, so to blacken means to make something dark.
Visually Confused Words
backen
upblacken
slacken
bracken
blake
baken
outblacken