Definition

To become less light or to lose brightness.

Example

As the sun set, the sky began to darken.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you noticed how the sky starts to darken around this time of year?

Yeah, it really does! I love the cozy vibe it brings.

I feel like it makes the evenings perfect for staying in and watching movies.

Absolutely! I can't wait to curl up with some popcorn.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make something less bright or to fill it with a darker color or mood.

Example

The artist decided to darken the sky in her painting to create a more dramatic effect.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how the clouds darken the sky this evening?

Yeah, it really sets a different mood, doesn't it?

I feel like it can darken my mood too sometimes.

Root Explanation

Darken → It is formed from "dark" (from Old English *deorc*, meaning lacking light) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to cause to become). The word "darken" means to cause something to become dark or to reduce light.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes a place 'lacking light' ('dark') and the '-en' means to make it so. This helps you remember that 'darken' means to make something dark.

Visually Confused Words