redden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to slightly formal; less common in casual speech than synonyms like 'go red'.
Quick answer
What does “redden” mean?
To become or cause to become red or redder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To become or cause to become red or redder.
Typically refers to a change in colour, most commonly the face or skin due to embarrassment, anger, heat, or exertion. Can also apply to objects, leaves, or the sky.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally understood.
Connotations
Slightly more literary or descriptive in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written English than in everyday spoken English in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “redden” in a Sentence
[Subject] reddens (intransitive)[Subject] reddens [Object] (transitive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redden” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Her face began to redden in the chilly wind.
- The setting sun reddened the clouds beautifully.
American English
- He reddened with embarrassment during the speech.
- The chemical treatment will redden the wood slightly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use (e.g., 'The company's balance sheet reddened').
Academic
Used in literary analysis, botanical/biological descriptions, or medical contexts (e.g., 'The inflamed tissue reddened').
Everyday
Common for describing emotional or physical reactions (e.g., 'He reddened when he was caught').
Technical
Used in photography ('reddening of the image'), astronomy ('reddening of starlight'), and chemistry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redden”
- Using 'redden' as a noun (e.g., 'a redden of the cheeks' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'reddening' (gerund/participle) as a simple adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Redden' is the general term for becoming red. 'Blush' specifically implies reddening of the face due to embarrassment or shyness. 'Flush' suggests a more widespread, often sudden, reddening due to emotion, fever, or alcohol.
Yes, 'redden' can apply to any subject that changes to a redder colour, such as leaves, the sky, metal when heated, or a liquid in a chemical reaction.
Yes, it is regular: redden, reddened, reddened.
'Redden' is more concise and can sound more literary or formal. 'Turn red' is more common in everyday speech.
To become or cause to become red or redder.
Redden is usually neutral to slightly formal; less common in casual speech than synonyms like 'go red'. in register.
Redden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈredn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛdn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Redden with rage”
- “Redden to the roots of one's hair (literary)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'redden' to the colour RED + the common verb suffix -EN, meaning 'to become' (like 'widen' or 'darken'). Think: 'The red pen caused the paper to redden.'
Conceptual Metaphor
EMBARRASSMENT/ANGER IS HEAT (causing a colour change).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'redden' LEAST appropriate?