brighten
verb (used with or without object)
to become or make bright or brighter.
had brightened
-
past perfectof brighten.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
By sundown, the outlook had brightened like the sun radiating off the Rose Bowl’s seats.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2023
By November, it had brightened to the point of almost being visible to the highest-quality binoculars from dark areas.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 21, 2023
Merck said the outlook for its life science unit, which makes substances and gear for drugmakers, had brightened further.
From Reuters ● Nov. 10, 2022
After a few minutes he realized that even though the sky was completely dark he could see the boat's sails and hull; the entire ocean had brightened and seemed to be shining from within.
From Scientific American ● Jul. 23, 2022
“You’d better be in Slytherin,” said Snape, encouraged that she had brightened a little.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
