brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrī-tᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become bright or brighter

transitive verb

1

: to make bright or brighter

you brightened my day

2

: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)

Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.

—Melissa Roberts-Matar

brightener

ˈbrīt-nər 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms

• buck up
• cheer (up)
• lighten
• look up
• perk (up)

Examples of brighten in a Sentence

He brightened the picture on the television.

Flowers can brighten any room.

The good news brightened her mood.

The sky brightened after the storm.

Business prospects brightened last month.

Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outlook began to brighten for the family in 2023. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024

Incandescent lights, seemingly old and obsolete in the age of LEDs, have found purpose again to potentially brighten our future. —New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024

Candles to take you on a relaxing journey Here are some wonderful examples on how to relax while brightening up your home. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

This breakthrough super antioxidant hydrating, preservative-free facial serum rejuvenates a changing complexion and naturally brightens and evens skin tone. —Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrīt-ᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become bright or brighter