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.
Then his face brightened, and he looked at me.
From Literature
It was a solemn, heavy moment until Duane’s expression suddenly brightened with a big smile.
From Literature
The ultimate blowback was the Ukraine War, but let’s brighten up.
Scientists warn that the debris is congesting space, brightening the night sky, and threatens collision with rockets, the International Space Station, and our planet.
From BBC
"Through some of the darkest days of my career, with his infectious smile he would walk in and brighten up every single day."
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.
