All 22 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ken (With Meanings & Examples)
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Awaken, outspoken, and undertaken—these words, each ending in -ken, are part of a larger collection that beneficially helps expand your vocabulary. So, we had to ask: What are all the positive and impactful words ending in -ken?
Some of the most used positive & impactful words ending in -ken include awaken, quicken, outspoken, token, well-spoken, waken, taken, unshaken, unbroken, undertaken. In total, there are a few of these positive & impactful words.
Join us as we delve into the beauty and significance of these words, uncovering their meanings and embracing the power they hold to create a positive impact in our daily lives. We’ll then also share the most used words ending in -ken, ten interesting facts about words ending in -ken, and a brief history of the development of our alphabet.
Here Are All 22 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ken
In the diverse landscape of English grammar, words are categorized into various groups based on their functions within sentences. These groups, referred to as ‘part-of-speech,’ are the building blocks of language, enabling you to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively.
Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.
Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun.
Verb: A verb is a word that represents an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.
Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.
Interjection: An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise; it can stand alone or be inserted into a sentence.
These ‘part-of-speech’ are the building blocks for you to choose the right grammatical type of word.
These Are All Words Ending in -ken That Are Inherently Positive & Impactful
Quick info: Please note that some words in the table below may appear more than once. This is because they can serve different roles in a sentence (their ‘part-of-speech’), such as being both an adjective and an adverb. In this case, we present you the word along with a description and an example sentence for each of their part-of-speech.
| Words Ending in -ken | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Awaken | To rouse from sleep or a state of inactivity, bringing about a renewed sense of awareness and energy (awake, stir, invigorate). | “The sound of birds chirping outside my window awakened me, filling me with a renewed sense of energy and excitement for the day ahead.” |
| Harken | To listen attentively and heedfully, showing respect and consideration for others’ opinions (heed, attend, listen). | “I always harken to my grandmother’s advice because she has a lot of wisdom and experience.” |
| Hearken | To listen attentively and with respect, showing a willingness to consider and follow advice or guidance (listen, heed, obey). | “I hearkened to my mentor’s advice and it led me to great success in my career.” |
| Outspoken | Someone who speaks their mind freely and confidently, often advocating for important causes and standing up for what they believe in (candid, frank, vocal). | “The outspoken activist fearlessly spoke out against injustice and inspired others to join the fight for equality.” |
| Outspoken | Speaking one’s mind freely and honestly, often in a way that is bold and courageous, signifying a willingness to stand up for what one believes in (frank, candid, forthright). | “I admire her outspoken nature, as she fearlessly speaks up for what she believes in, even in the face of opposition.” |
| Outspoken | Expressing opinions or feelings freely and confidently, signifying courage and authenticity (frank, candid, blunt). | “She was outspoken about her beliefs, even when it wasn’t popular, and her courage inspired others to speak up as well.” |
| Quicken | To make something happen faster or to become faster, signifying efficiency and productivity (accelerate, hasten, expedite). | “The new software will quicken the process of data analysis, allowing us to make more informed decisions in a shorter amount of time.” |
| Reawaken | To awaken again or revive from dormancy, bringing new life and energy to something (revitalize, rejuvenate, resuscitate). | “The new CEO’s innovative ideas and leadership style reawakened the company’s stagnant growth, bringing new life and energy to the business.” |
| Silken | Having a smooth and lustrous texture, indicating luxury and elegance (sleek, silky, smooth). | “She wore a silken gown that flowed gracefully as she walked down the red carpet.” |
| Soft-spoken | Speaking in a gentle and quiet manner, often conveying thoughtfulness and sincerity (mild-mannered, meek, subdued). | “She was known for her soft-spoken nature, always speaking with a gentle and quiet tone that made others feel at ease.” |
| Taken | Having been seized or captured, indicating a successful acquisition or accomplishment (acquired, obtained, secured). | “I have taken the opportunity to learn a new skill, which has greatly improved my career prospects.” |
| Thicken | To become denser or more concentrated, as a liquid or a plot, creating a richer and more substantial texture (enriching, strengthening, consolidating). | “The chef used a roux to thicken the sauce, creating a more flavorful and satisfying dish.” |
| Unbroken | Continuing without interruption or being damaged, indicating resilience and strength (unimpaired, undamaged, intact). | “The unbroken vase was a testament to the quality of the craftsmanship and the durability of the material used.” |
| Unbroken | Not having been damaged or interrupted, indicating resilience and perseverance (unimpaired, continuous, uninterrupted). | “The unbroken spirit of the athlete inspired the entire team to keep pushing through the tough times.” |
| Undertaken | Having embarked on a particular task or journey, indicating a willingness to take on challenges and pursue goals (committed, dedicated, determined). | “She was very undertaken in her studies, spending countless hours in the library and always striving to improve her grades.” |
| Unshaken | Remaining firm and resolute in the face of adversity, demonstrating strength and unwavering determination (steadfast, unwavering, resolute). | “Despite the challenges she faced, her unshaken resolve to achieve her goals never wavered, inspiring those around her to persevere through their own struggles.” |
| Unshaken | Not moved or affected by something, demonstrating resilience and strength (steadfast, unwavering, resolute). | “Despite facing numerous challenges, her unshaken determination to succeed never wavered, inspiring those around her to persevere through difficult times.” |
| Waken | To wake, or cause to wake, from sleep, symbolizing alertness, start of day, and consciousness (wake, arouse, rouse). | “The loud noise wakened her from her sleep.” |
| Well-spoken | Speaking in a clear, articulate manner, it signifies eloquence and good communication skills (well-spoken, articulate, eloquent). | “He was a well-spoken man who always knew the right thing to say.” |
These Are All Words Ending in -ken That Can Be Used In a Positive & Impactful Way
Now that we’ve covered all words ending in -ken that inherently exude positivity and impact, let’s complete the list and shift gears to another exciting set of words. These next words might not generally spell ‘positivity’ or ‘impact’ but when used thoughtfully, can surely add a positive & impactful spin to any conversation.
This next set of words exemplifies the beauty of language – their meaning is not just fixed but can be shaped by the context they are used in. So, try to use these words too, to have a bigger positive impact with your conversations.
| Words Ending in -ken | Description (with synonyms) | Example sentence |
| Blacken | To make or become black or dark, often through the application of heat or smoke, symbolizing transformation and resilience (char, darken, smudge). | “The blacksmith skillfully blackened the metal, creating a beautiful and durable piece of art.” |
| Kraken | A legendary sea monster of giant size and cephalopod-like appearance, often depicted in literature and popular culture (mythical creature, legendary beast, sea serpent). | “The Kraken’s appearance in the novel added an element of excitement and mystery to the story.” |
| Token | A word used to represent a particular thing, person, or concept, often used to aid in communication and understanding, signifying the importance of clear and concise language (term, expression, designation). | “The term “sustainability” has become increasingly important in today’s society, as people recognize the need for environmentally conscious practices.” |
10 Most Used Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -ken
Yet, some words that end in -ken are used more often than others. Below are some of the most used positive and impactful words ending in -ken:
- Awaken
- Quicken
- Outspoken
- Token
- Well-spoken
- Waken
- Taken
- Unshaken
- Unbroken
- Undertaken
10 Interesting Facts About Words Ending in -ken
Let’s take a step back and have a look at some interesting facts about words ending in -ken. We discover its intriguing features and enduring influence on the English language.
- Formation of Past Participles and Verbs: The “-ken” suffix is commonly found in the past participles of some irregular verbs (like “spoken” from “speak” or “broken” from “break”) and in certain verbs (such as “quicken” or “awaken”).
- Old English Origins: Many “-ken” words trace their roots back to Old English, reflecting the language’s historical development and the evolution of verb forms.
- Phonetic Distinctiveness: The “-ken” ending often imparts a specific sound to words, contributing to their phonetic uniqueness and rhythm in English.
- Descriptive Nature in Verbs: “-ken” verbs are often highly descriptive, adding depth and specificity to language, particularly in illustrating actions or states.
- Diminutive Connotation: In some instances, the “-ken” suffix in verbs can convey a diminutive or gentle aspect of the action, like “soften” or “darken”.
- Common in Poetry and Literary Language: The phonetic quality of “-ken” words makes them popular in poetry and literary contexts, where they contribute to the rhythmic and phonetic appeal.
- Reflects Language Evolution: The presence and usage of “-ken” words showcase the adaptability and evolving nature of English.
- Use in Idiomatic Expressions: Several “-ken” words appear in idiomatic expressions and proverbs, adding to the richness of English expressions.
- Indicating Action or State: In verbs, “-ken” often conveys an action or a change of state, contributing to the dynamic nature of these words in the language.
- Limited Usage in Modern English: While “-ken” words are integral to the language, many of them have an archaic or formal tone and are less commonly used in everyday modern English.
A Brief History of Our Alphabet
The story of our alphabet has a rich and compelling history, beginning with ancient civilizations and carrying forward into the present day.
The history of our modern alphabet is a fascinating journey that spans several millennia and cultures. It’s commonly referred to as the Latin or Roman alphabet, and here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
- Phoenician Alphabet (circa 1050 BCE): The story begins with the Phoenician alphabet, one of the oldest writing systems known to use a one-to-one correspondence between sounds and symbols. This Semitic alphabet had about 22 consonants, but no vowels, and was primarily used for trade.
- Greek Alphabet (circa 800 BCE): The Greeks borrowed and adapted the Phoenician script. Crucially, they introduced vowels, making it one of the first true alphabets where each symbol represented a distinct sound (both vowel and consonant). The Greek alphabet had a significant influence on the development of other alphabets.
- Etruscan Alphabet (circa 700 BCE): The Etruscan civilization in Italy adapted the Greek alphabet to their own language. While Etruscan was largely replaced by Latin, their version of the alphabet was a key predecessor to the Roman one.
- Latin Alphabet (circa 700 BCE – Present): The Latin alphabet emerged from the adaptation of the Etruscan script. Ancient Rome used this alphabet, and it spread across Europe as the Roman Empire expanded. The original Latin alphabet did not contain the letters J, U, and W. These were added much later along with other modifications to suit different languages and phonetic needs.
- Modern Variations: Today, the Latin alphabet is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world. It has undergone various changes to accommodate different languages and sounds. For instance, English—among other languages—added letters like ‘J’, ‘U’, and ‘W’, while other languages incorporate additional characters like ‘Ñ’ in Spanish or ‘Ç’ in French.
This evolution reflects not just linguistic changes but also cultural and historical shifts, as the alphabet was adapted by different societies across centuries.
Final Thoughts
Expanding your vocabulary is akin to broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing your capacity to express your thoughts and emotions with precision. By embracing additional words ending in -ken, you’re not just learning new terms, but you’re also gaining nuanced ways to communicate positivity and impact.
The more words you have at your disposal, the more accurately and vividly you can paint your thoughts into speech and writing. So, by growing your vocabulary, especially with positive and impactful words, you’re empowering yourself to engage more effectively and inspiringly with the world around you.
Stay impactful,
Sources
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With A
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With B
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With C
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With D
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With E
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With F
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With G
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With H
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With I
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With J
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With K
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With L
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With M
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With N
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With O
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With P
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Q
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With R
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With S
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With T
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With U
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With V
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With W
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With X
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Y
- Impactful Ninja: Positive & Impactful Words Starting With Z
- Wikipedia: Part of Speech
- David Sacks: Letter Perfect: The Marvelous History of Our Alphabet From A to Z
