brighten

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To make bright or brighter in color.

   • We brightened the room with a new coat of paint.
2. 2

   To make illustrious, or more distinguished

   To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to

3. 3

   To make more cheerful and pleasant

   To make more cheerful and pleasant; to enliven

   • to brighten one’s prospects
   • Having Mark around the place really brightens things up.
   • An Ecstasie, which Mothers only feel, / Plays round my heart and brightens up my sorrow.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To grow bright, or more bright in color

      To grow bright, or more bright in color; to clear up

      • The sun starts to brighten around this time of the year.
      • The sky brightened as the storm moved on.
   2. 5

      To become brighter or more cheerful in mood

      • She brightened when I changed the subject.

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