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brighten

verb bright·en \ˈbrī-t^ən\

: to add more light to (something)

: to make (something) more colorful or cheerful

: to become brighter or more cheerful

bright·enedbright·en·ing \ˈbrīt-niŋ, ˈbrī-t^ən-iŋ\

Full Definition of BRIGHTEN

intransitive verb

: to become bright or brighter

transitive verb

: to make bright or brighter <you brightened my day>

— bright·en·er \ˈbrīt-nər, ˈbrī-t^ən-ər\ noun

See brighten defined for English-language learners

See brighten defined for kids

First Known Use of BRIGHTEN

14th century

Related to BRIGHTEN

Synonyms: cheer (up), buck up, lighten, look up, perk (up)

Antonyms: darken, sadden

Rhymes with BRIGHTEN

Brighton, chitin, chiton, frighten, heighten, lighten, tighten, titan, triton, whiten

BRIGHTEN Defined for Kids

brighten

verb bright·en \ˈbrī-t^ən\

bright·enedbright·en·ing

Definition of BRIGHTEN for Kids

: to add more light to <Candlelight brightened the room.>

: to make or become cheerful <You brightened my day.>

Learn More About BRIGHTEN

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "brighten"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "brighten"

Nglish: Translation of "brighten" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "brighten" for Arabic speakers

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