Ripened: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing fruits, vegetables, or cheese that have reached the stage of optimal taste or texture for consumption.

• The strawberries have ripened perfectly on the vine
• The cheese needs to be ripened for a few more weeks

Describes someone or something that has reached a stage of full growth or development, often used for people, ideas, or investments.

• He has become a mature individual after years of experience
• The wine needs to mature for several years to achieve its full flavor

Typically used to talk about fruits and vegetables when they have reached the best condition for eating. It can also metaphorically describe a situation that is suitable for action or a decision.

• The peaches are ripe and ready to be picked
• The market conditions are ripe for investment

Indicates preparedness or suitability for a specific purpose or action, often used in general, everyday situations.

• I'm ready to leave whenever you are
• The presentation is ready for the meeting

Used to describe something that has grown or evolved over time, such as skills, communities, or technologies.

• She has developed impressive coding skills over the past year
• The neighborhood has developed rapidly due to new infrastructure

Use 'ripened' when talking about fruits or vegetables that have reached the stage of optimal taste and texture for eating.

• The tomatoes have ripened on the vine and are ready to be picked.
• She made a delicious salad with ripened avocados.

Use 'mature' when referring to someone or something reaching a state of full development, often used for people and investments.

• He has matured into a responsible adult.
• The investment will mature in five years.

Use 'develop' when referring to the process of growing or becoming more advanced, suitable for skills, projects, or diseases.

• She has developed her skills in painting over the years.
• The city is developing new infrastructure.

Use 'age' when discussing the process of becoming older or more mature, often used for people, objects, or cheese.

• The wine has aged for ten years and has a rich flavor.
• As they age, people often become wiser.

Use 'mellow' when describing something that has become softer, more pleasant, or less harsh, often used for sounds, colors, or personalities.

• The music has a mellow tone that is very relaxing.
• With age, her temper has mellowed.