mellowed

Everyday

1. Became softer, calmer and kinder with age or time: «Grandad has mellowed.» tree →
2. (of colours, sounds, light) Became soft, warm and rich, not harsh. tree →
3. (of fruit, wine, cheese) Became ripe, sweet and smooth. tree →

In the lessons

In The Wind in the Willows old houses and walls are mellowed by time, and the warm autumn light is mellow. In stories a grumpy character who has mellowed is easier to like. In everyday life: «My big sister has mellowed since she went to college.»

Examples

• Grandad was strict, but he has mellowed with age. tree →
• The old brick wall had mellowed to a warm red. tree →
• The apples mellowed in the autumn sun. tree →
• The evening light mellowed into gold. tree →
• After a cup of tea, the cross teacher mellowed. tree →
• The cheese mellowed in the cellar for a year. tree →
• Among the broad smooth green leaves the fruit hung like golden balls, and as they ripened they mellowed to a deep orange. tree →

Note

Regular verb: mellow → mellowed. Opposite ideas: harsh, sharp, raw.