lightening

American  

[lahyt-n-ing] / ˈlaɪt n ɪŋ /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity, occurring toward the end of pregnancy, changing the contour of the abdomen and facilitating breathing by lessening pressure under the diaphragm.

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lightening British  

/ ˈlaɪtənɪŋ /

noun

1. obstetrics the sensation, experienced by many women late in pregnancy when the head of the fetus enters the pelvis, of a reduction in pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier to breathe

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Etymology

Origin of lightening

First recorded in 1520–30; lighten ² + -ing ¹

Compare meaning

How does lightening compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lightning vs. lightening

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lightening

Another reason such layoffs may prove to be temporary: In many cases AI seems to shift the burden of work to those who are most skilled at using it, rather than lightening the load overall.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026

Still, even when dealing with corpses, Walker’s characters can deftly deliver a one-liner or a bad pun when the mood needs lightening; she doesn’t really think along drama versus comedy lines.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

Gupta, Smyth and Armlovich have all publicly opposed a rent freeze, unless some other action is taken to ease landlord expenses like lightening property taxes or insurance costs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

The "silliness" of the formulation was "lightening the subject matter of this trial," he told Judge Cannon.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2025

“Please,” Mom said, her mood lightening as she stirred her coffee.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• alleviation
• assistance
• comfort
• happiness
• help
• maintenance
• reprieve
• respite
• satisfaction
• support