brighten

American  

[brahyt-n] / ˈbraɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to become or make bright or brighter.

   Synonyms:

   hearten, lift, gladden, cheer, lighten

   Antonyms:

   sadden, deject, darken

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brighten British  

/ ˈbraɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become bright or brighter

2. to make or become cheerful

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Other Word Forms

• brightener noun
• rebrighten verb
• unbrightened adjective

Etymology

Origin of brighten

First recorded in 1250–1300, brighten is from the Middle English word brightnen. See bright, -en ¹

Example Sentences

In the bedroom, rather than doing their best to brighten up the room, which is small and has only one window, Adams and Tolles leaned into the room’s cavernous energy and painted it dark blue.

From Los Angeles Times

Asian manufacturers started the year on a strong note, with factory activity ticking up in major exporters like Japan and South Korea, and business sentiment brightening.

From The Wall Street Journal

As soon as he got close enough that only his face was reflected, the surface clouded like a sudden storm, turned black, and a directory brightened on the screen.

From Literature

Christmas trees still strung with lights brighten apartments during power cuts.

From The Wall Street Journal

At 23:29 UT, a particularly intense brightening occurred.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• clear up
• enliven
• illuminate
• light up
• lighten