-en

20 words

1. 1

   fastenverb/ˈfɑːsən/

   to attach or fix something securely; to tie or close

   “Please fasten your seat belt before takeoff.”

2. 2

   darkenverb/ˈdɑː.kən/

   to make or become less light in colour or brightness

   “The clouds darkened the sky before the storm.”

3. 3

   shortenverb/ˈʃɔːtən/

   make something shorter in length, time, or duration

   “I need to shorten my essay to meet the word limit.”

4. 4

   strengthenverb/ˈstreŋθən/

   to make something stronger or more effective

   “New policies aim to strengthen the national healthcare system.”

5. 5

   ripenverb/ˈraɪ.pən/

   to become ripe or to make something become ripe

   “If you leave the bananas in the sun, they will ripen faster.”

6. 6

   heightenverb/ˈhaɪtən/

   to make something increase, especially feelings, awareness, or intensity

   “The new report will heighten public concern about air pollution.”

7. 7

   tightenverb/ˈtaɪtən/

   make something stricter or more firm; make something tight

   “The police tightened patrols around the stadium after the match.”

8. 8

   widenverb/ˈwaɪdən/

   to make something wider, either physically or in terms of scope

   “They plan to widen the main road to reduce traffic congestion.”

9. 9

   weakenverb/ˈwiːkən/

   to make something less strong or less effective

   “Corruption can weaken public trust in institutions.”

10. 10

    brightenverb/ˈbraɪtən/

    to make something lighter in colour or to make someone or something more cheerful

    “The children’s laughter brightened the whole room.”

11. 11

    broadenverb/ˈbrɔːdən/

    to make something more general or include more things, especially ideas or experience

    “Travel can broaden your view of the world.”

12. 12

    lengthenverb/ˈleŋθən/

    make something longer in time or space

    “They plan to lengthen the school day to include more lessons.”

13. 13

    worsenverb/ˈwɜːsən/

    to become or make something worse

    “Delaying repairs will only worsen the damage.”

14. 14

    deepenverb/ˈdiːpən/

    to make something stronger or more intense, or to make something deeper in a physical or abstract sense

    “The discussion helped deepen my understanding of the issue.”

15. 15

    lightenverb/ˈlaɪtən/

    to make something less heavy or less serious; also to make lighter in color or mood

    “The medication helped to lighten her pain.”

16. 16

    sharpenverb/ˈʃɑːpən/

    make an edge sharper; make skills, awareness, or arguments more acute or precise

    “She sharpened the pencil before the exam.”

17. 17

    softenverb/ˈsɒfən/

    make something softer physically; make a stance or reaction less severe or harsh

    “The manager softened his tone when the employee explained the mistake.”

18. 18

    thickenverb/ˈθɪkən/

    to make something denser or more solid in consistency; to become thicker

    “The sauce will thicken if you simmer it for a few minutes.”

19. 19

    hardenverb/ˈhɑːdən/

    to make something become hard or more firm; figuratively, to make someone or something more strict or resolute

    “Cold weather can harden the ground.”

20. 20

    flattenverb/ˈflætən/

    make flat or level; reduce sharply (in contexts like 'flatten the curve')

    “The crew flattened the road before paving it.”