redden

Everyday

1. To become red or redder. tree →
2. (of a person's face) To blush because you are embarrassed, shy or angry. tree →
3. To make something red. tree →
4. Humorously, to redden the ground means to plough a field. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it often tells the reader that a character is embarrassed or angry: «his face reddened». In science and nature it describes leaves in autumn, a sky at sunset, or skin that is sunburnt or sore. Phrases: «redden with anger», «redden with embarrassment», «the sky reddened».

Examples

• Her cheeks reddened when the teacher read out her poem. tree →
• The leaves redden in autumn. tree →
• His face reddened with anger. tree →
• The sky reddened as the sun went down. tree →
• My nose reddens in the cold. tree →
• The rash began to redden and itch, so we called the doctor. tree →
• Tomatoes redden as they ripen. tree →

Note

Regular verb: reddened, reddening; note the double «d». A rash or skin that keeps reddening and swelling can need a doctor. «Blush» is a near synonym for faces.