blackening
|black-en-ing|
/ˈblækənɪŋ/
(blacken)
to darken or tarnish
Etymology
'blackening' ultimately originates from Old English elements: from 'blacken' (a verb formed from 'black' + the verbal suffix '-en'), where 'black' derived from Old English 'blæc' meaning 'black, soot'.
'blackening' developed from Old English 'blæc' → Middle English 'blak'/'black' (adjective) + suffix '-en' to form the verb 'blacken', and the modern noun/participle 'blackening' arose by later English verb-noun and participle formation.
Originally it meant 'to make or become black' (literal), and over time it also acquired a figurative sense 'to sully or besmirch (someone's reputation)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making something black or darker, especially by soot, smoke, or dirt.
The blackening of the walls was caused by years of candle soot.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a surface treatment or chemical process that darkens metal (e.g., black oxide or bluing).
The blackening of the steel improved its corrosion resistance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/21 11:31