Word
ripening
Phoneticsripen·ing
US/ˈɹaɪpənɪŋ/
UK/ɹˈaɪpnɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the process of a fruit or vegetable becoming soft and sweet and ready to eat. It can also describe a person becoming more mature or experienced over time.
n. the process of becoming ripe, particularly in fruit or vegetables; by extension, the state of reaching maturity or full development in a person or situation.
Examples
“The ripening of the bananas makes them easier to peel.”
“The winemaker carefully monitors the ripening of the grapes to ensure the perfect balance of sugar and acidity.”
“The gradual ripening of the local economy over the last decade has allowed for a more diverse range of industries to thrive alongside traditional agriculture.”
Examples
simple
“The ripening of the bananas makes them easier to peel.”
contextual
“The winemaker carefully monitors the ripening of the grapes to ensure the perfect balance of sugar and acidity.”
complex
“The gradual ripening of the local economy over the last decade has allowed for a more diverse range of industries to thrive alongside traditional agriculture.”
Real-World Examples
“This pleasant terroir is probably due to the cooler temperatures and longer ripening periods in our coffee-producing areas.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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