sweeten
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈswiːtən/
KK: /ˈswitən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To change in taste or flavor to become more sugary or pleasant.
Example
The fruit will sweeten as it ripens on the tree.
Tense Forms
Past: sweetened
Past Participle: sweetened
Conversation
Have you noticed how the fruit starts to sweeten as it ripens?
Yeah, it's amazing how much better it tastes when it's ripe.
I love when the strawberries sweeten; they’re my favorite.
Same here! Fresh strawberries are the best in summer.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mellow
soften
sugar
Antonyms
bitter
sour
harsh
transitive verb
Definition
To make something sweeter or more pleasant, often by adding sugar or another sweet substance.
Example
She decided to sweeten her tea with a little honey.
Tense Forms
Past: sweetened
Past Participle: sweetened
Conversation
I think my tea is a bit too bitter today.
Why not sweeten it with some honey?
That's a great idea! I always forget that honey can help.
Root Explanation
Sweeten → It is formed from "sweet" (from Old English *swēte*, meaning having a pleasant taste) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "sweeten" means to make something sweet or to add sweetness to it.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'made sweet' — 'sweet' refers to a pleasant taste, and '-en' means to make. This helps you remember that sweeten means to add sweetness.
Visually Confused Words
unsweeten
besweeten
outsweeten
sebesten