How to pronounce ripen
Say it like RY-pun. Ripen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ripen. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RY
- pun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ripen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- punKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ripen
American and British speakers say ripen in essentially the same way: /ˈraɪpən/ in the US and /ˈraɪpən/ in the UK.
British respelling: RY-pun.
What does ripen mean?
- Of grain, fruit, flowers, etc., to grow ripe; to become mature.“Grapes ripen in the sun.”
- To approach or come to perfection.
- To cause (something) to mature; to make ripe.“The warm sun ripened the corn.”
Where does ripen come from?
From Middle English *ripenen, extended form of ripen, from Old English rīpian.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ripen
How do you pronounce ripen?
Say RY-pun. The American pronunciation is /ˈraɪpən/. In British English it is /ˈraɪpən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ripen?
Ripen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RY). Broken into parts: RY · pun.
Do Americans and Brits say ripen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈraɪpən/ and the British form is /ˈraɪpən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.