What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blacken
Example
The chef blackened the fish by cooking it over high heat. [blackened: past tense]
Example
The smoke from the fire blackened the walls of the house. [blackened: verb]
darken
Example
The storm clouds darkened the sky, signaling an approaching thunderstorm. [darkened: past tense]
Example
She closed the curtains to darken the room for better sleep. [darken: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Darken is more commonly used than blacken in everyday language. Darken is a versatile word that can be used in various situations, while blacken is less common and often used in specific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between blacken and darken?
Both blacken and darken can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, darken is generally considered more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
