The colour softened as the sun went down. (Improve underlined part)

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (4):

The word "softened" is perfectly appropriate in the given sentence, "The colour softened as the sun went down." When referring to colors, "softened" accurately describes a decrease in intensity, vibrancy, or harshness, which is precisely what happens to light and color as the sun sets. The fading or gentler appearance of colors during twilight or sunset is a common observation, and "softened" conveys this natural phenomenon effectively and idiomatically. Therefore, no improvement is needed for the underlined part.

The incorrect option is (1): brightened

"Brightened" means to become lighter or more vivid. This is the opposite of what typically happens to colors as the sun goes down. As light diminishes, colors generally appear less bright, not more so.

The incorrect option is (2): mellowed

While "mellowed" can refer to a color becoming softer or richer with age, it doesn't fit the immediate action of the sun going down as well as "softened." "Mellowed" implies a gradual, often long-term change, whereas "softened" describes a more immediate effect of declining light.

The incorrect option is (3): deepened

"Deepened" suggests that the color became more intense, darker, or richer in hue. While some colors might appear richer in certain lighting, the overall effect of the sun setting is usually a loss of intensity and saturation, making "deepened" an inaccurate description of how colors change in diminishing light.