Ripening Meaning and Definition
Ripening
Pronunciation
/rɪˈpaɪnɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The process of becoming or growing in maturity, especially in the sense of increasing in quality, strength, or value over time.
Examples
- The wine is ripening in the cellar.
- The musician’s skill is ripening with age and experience.
- The story will ripen into a classic in time.
- Her talent is ripening, and she’s becoming a brilliant artist.
- The concept is ripening, and new ideas are arising.
- The farmers harvest the ripened crops.
Synonyms
- Maturity
- Ripeness
Antonyms
- Decline
- Wilt
Etymology
The word “Ripening” originates from the Old English word “ripian”, meaning “to ripen or grow mature”.
Usage Notes
Ripening is used to describe the process of growth, maturation, or development of something, whether it’s a physical object, a skill, or an idea. It can imply a sense of gradual improvement or increase in quality.
Cultural References
Ripening has been used in various contexts in literature, music, and film. For example, the word is used in the title of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea”, where Santiago’s fishing trip is a metaphor for ripening and growth.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To ripen in one’s own time
- To let things ripen
Related Words or Phrases
- Ripeness
- Maturity
- Growth
- Development
Collocations
- Ripening on the vine
- To ripen slowly
- Ripening fruit
Frequency of Use
Ripening is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, but its usage is increasing due to its importance in fields such as agriculture, education, and personal development.
Common Misspellings
- Ripin
- Ripeninging