ripen

verb

Etymology: From Middle English *ripenen, extended form of ripen, from Old English rīpian. In the modern form, equivalent to ripe + -en (inchoative and factitive suffix). As in several other verbs, the alteration seems to have occurred during the time when the infinitive and plural ending -en was in the process of being lost (and was thus open to reinterpretation). The earliest attestation is deverbal Middle English ripening (“causing ripeness, ripening”).

1. to grow ripe; to become mature (said of grain, fruit, flowers etc.)

   “Grapes ripen in the sun.”

   “[…] the desert soil of the Great Basin is as rich in the elements that in rainy regions rise and ripen into food as that of any other State in the Union.”

2. To approach or come to perfection.

   “The acquaintance soon ripened into a warm attachment.”

3. To cause (something) to mature; to make ripe

   “The warm sun ripened the corn.”

4. To mature; to fit or prepare; to bring to perfection

   “ripen the judgment”

   “When Faith and Love which parted from thee never Had ripen'd thy just soul to dwell with God”