-en

20 words

1. 1

   sweetenverb/ˈswiːtən/

   to make something taste sweeter or to make an offer/matter more attractive

   “They offered a bonus to sweeten the contract and encourage acceptance.”

2. 2

   steepenverb/ˈstiːpən/

   to make or become steeper; to increase sharply in slope or rate

   “From 2010 to 2015 the graph shows the curve steepened dramatically.”

3. 3

   straightenverb/ˈstreɪ.tən/

   to make something straight or to make something tidy/ordered

   “He straightened the picture frame on the wall.”

4. 4

   whitenverb/ˈwaɪtən/

   to make something white or whiter; to remove colour or stains; occasionally used figuratively to mean to make something clear

   “They used a special paste to whiten the walls before painting.”

5. 5

   deafenverb/ˈdef.ən/

   to make someone unable to hear, usually temporarily, by producing a very loud noise

   “The roar of the jets deafened the crowd at the air show.”

6. 6

   stiffenverb / adjective/ˈstɪf(ə)n/

   to make or become rigid or less flexible; to make rules or attitudes more strict or firm

   “Cold weather can stiffen muscles and cause pain.”

7. 7

   cheapenverb/ˈtʃiːpən/

   to make something seem of lower quality or value

   “Many critics argue that tabloids have cheapened political debate.”

8. 8

   hastenverb/ˈheɪ.sən/

   to make something happen sooner or more quickly

   “Poor weather may hasten the deterioration of the building.”

9. 9

   hiddenadjective / past participle/ˈhɪd(ə)n/

   not seen or known about; kept out of sight or not told to people

   “Be careful of hidden costs when you book a cheap flight.”

10. 10

    likenverb/ˈlaɪkən/

    to say that someone or something is similar to someone or something else

    “Many reviewers likened the new author to a young Dickens.”

11. 11

    sickenverb/ˈsɪkən/

    to make someone feel ill, or to become ill; to cause disgust or nausea

    “The smell from the landfill sickened nearby residents.”

12. 12

    moistenverb/ˈmɔɪs(ə)n/

    to make something slightly wet or damp

    “Moisten the soil before planting the seeds.”

13. 13

    quickenverb/ˈkwɪkən/

    to make something happen faster or increase the speed of something

    “New technology has quickened the pace of communication.”

14. 14

    awakenverb/əˈweɪk(ə)n/

    to wake someone up; to cause someone to become aware of something

    “The report awakened public concern about air quality.”

15. 15

    saddenverb/ˈsædn/

    to make someone feel sad

    “It saddens me to hear that the town library will close.”

16. 16

    heartenverb/ˈhɑːt(ə)n/

    to encourage or give someone renewed hope or confidence

    “I was heartened by the positive response from the community.”

17. 17

    glistenverb / intransitive/ˈɡlɪs(ə)n/

    to shine with a soft reflected light; to sparkle slightly

    “The wet pavement glistened under the streetlights.”

18. 18

    gladdenverb/ˈɡlædn/

    to make someone feel happy or pleased

    “The unexpected donation gladdened the whole community.”

19. 19

    quietenverb/ˈkwaɪətən/

    to make something or someone become quiet

    “The teacher quietened the noisy classroom with a firm look.”

20. 20

    maddenverb/ˈmædən/

    to annoy or anger someone very much

    “The constant delays in the project maddened the manager.”