- ripe
- ripe [raıp] adj comparative riper superlative ripest[: Old English;]1.) ripe fruit or crops are fully grown and ready to eat≠ ↑unripe▪ Those tomatoes aren't ripe yet.2.) be ripe for sthto be ready for a change to happen, especially when it should have happened sooner▪ The police forces are ripe for reform.▪ The former dock area is ripe for development.3.) the time is ripe (for sth)used to say it is a very suitable time for something to happen, especially when it should have happened sooner▪ The time is ripe for a review of progress up to now.4.) ripe old agea) if you live to a ripe old age, you are very old when you die▪ Eat less and exercise more if you want to live to a ripe old age .b) used to show that you find it surprising or impressive that someone is doing something or has achieved something at a very young age - used humorously▪ She was put in charge at the ripe old age of twenty-nine.5.) ripe cheese has developed a strong taste and is ready to eat= ↑mature6.) especially BrE a ripe smell is strong and unpleasant - used humorously▪ We were pretty ripe after a week of walking.>ripeness n [U]
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.