brighten
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
-
to make or become bright or brighter
-
to make or become cheerful
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the stolen material builds up, it can ignite in a runaway nuclear reaction, triggering a sudden brightening in the sky.
From Science Daily
Barron’s recently spoke with Curtin about how today’s tech innovations will continue to brighten the outlook for markets and the economy, and how the firm is guiding its clients.
From Barron's
It could be a sign the market expects the oil picture to improve—countries won’t add supply forever and demand could easily brighten—or at least not get any worse.
From Barron's
Or a sturdy stew: a can of tomatoes, an errant link of sausage, a handful of chickpeas, all brightened with greens that need a home.
From Salon
There’s a whisper of lemon or lime that brightens without shouting, and sugar that amplifies sweetness rather than dominating it, leaving the peach as the undeniable star.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
