darken down
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To slowly get darker, like the sky before a storm.
Literal meaning: To grow dark in a downward or deepening direction.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
Of the sky or environment: to become progressively darker, especially as night approaches or a storm builds.
"The afternoon darkened down quickly as the storm clouds gathered over the hills."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To make a colour or shade deeper and darker, especially in art, design, or photography.
"The designer darkened down the background colour to make the text easier to read."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often describes atmospheric changes (sky darkening before a storm) or gradual colour change in painting and design. The figurative use — darkening mood — appears in literary writing. More common in British English.
Commonly used with
sky clouds mood colour room afternoon
Forms
Base
darken down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
darkens down
he/she/it
Past simple
darkened down
yesterday
Past participle
darkened down
have + pp
-ing form
darkening down
continuous
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