darken

Word parts

dark + -en

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈdɑrkən/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈdɑːkən/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form darken

Third-person singular darkens

Past tense darkened

Past participle darkened

Present participle darkening

1. (transitive & intransitive) If something darkens, there is less light.
   • Synonym: dim
   • Antonym: lighten

   In the evening, he went walking and watched the sky darken.

   She darkened the lights and sat quietly.

2. (intransitive) If your mood, face, or eyes darkens, you become less happy.
   • Synonym: anger
   • Antonym: lighten

   As he told her the story, he could see her face darken.

Related words

• dark