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Ripened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ripened

[ˈrɪp(ə)nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

fruit

Having reached the stage of full flavor and readiness for eating, typically characterized by a change in color, texture, and taste.

Synonyms

developed, mature, ready, ripe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ripened

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
mature

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
ripe

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
ready

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
developed

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

Examples of usage

  • The ripened mangoes were sweet and juicy.
  • The bananas had ripened perfectly on the tree.
Context #2 | Verb

process

To become fully matured or ready for use or consumption.

Synonyms

age, develop, mature, mellow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ripened

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.
mature

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.
develop

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.
age

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.
mellow

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.

Examples of usage

  • The cheese ripened for several months before it was ready to eat.
  • It takes time for wine to ripen and develop its full flavor.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Botany

  • Ripening is a process where fruits undergo chemical changes, making them sweeter and changing their color and texture.
  • Ethylene gas, naturally produced by certain fruits, plays a key role in the ripening process, speeding it up for nearby fruits.
  • Different fruits have specific ripening stages; for example, bananas visibly change from green to yellow as they ripen.

Culinary Arts

  • Ripened fruits enhance flavors in cooking, making dishes like fruit salads more enjoyable.
  • Some chefs prefer using ripened ingredients, as they offer more depth and complex flavors in recipes.
  • To ripen avocados, storing them with apples can speed up the process due to the ethylene emitted by the apples.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate harvest festivals, signifying the gathering of ripe produce and the abundance it brings.
  • In various traditions, ripe fruits are often used in rituals symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
  • In art, the depiction of ripe fruit often symbolizes abundance, sensuality, and the passage of time.

Science

  • The ripening process involves enzymes that break down cell walls, leading to a softer texture.
  • Research shows that temperature and humidity conditions directly affect how quickly fruits ripen.
  • Ripened fruits are often more nutritious and easier to digest because the ripening process enhances the bioavailability of some nutrients.

Origin of 'ripened'

The word 'ripened' dates back to the 16th century and is derived from the Middle English word 'ripen', which means 'to become ripe'. The concept of ripening has been associated with agriculture and food production for centuries, as people have sought to optimize the flavor and quality of fruits, cheeses, and other products through the ripening process.

See also: ripe, ripen, ripeness, ripening, unripe, unripeness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,008, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.