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.
Head to higher elevations above 2,000 feet where there is more moisture to see slopes brightened with desert lily, sand verbena and flowering Orcutt’s woody aster.
From Los Angeles Times
“Jimmy, Papa said he can spare you for an hour. He’s coming out to—” She caught sight of me, and her face brightened.
From Literature
While San Francisco is still far from its pre-pandemic peaks, backers say the program has brightened struggling retail areas.
From Los Angeles Times
Finally, consider setting up what I think of as a zhush station — a small collection of ingredients that allow guests to brighten and customize what’s on their plate.
From Salon
After a warm and ice-cold shower, he cleanses his face and rubs a frozen cucumber over it, which he says will reduce puffiness, acne and brighten his skin.
From BBC
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.
