brighten

Word parts

bright + -en

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈbraɪtən/
• (US) IPA ^(key): [ˈbraɪ̯ʔn̩]

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form brighten

Third-person singular brightens

Past tense brightened

Past participle brightened

Present participle brightening

1. (transitive & intransitive) If something brightens, it becomes brighter, less dark.
   • Synonym: lighten
   • Antonym: darken

   As the sun came up, the room brightened.

2. (intransitive) If someone brightens, they become happier.
   • Synonym: cheer up
   • Antonym: anger

   She brightened when she thought about the holiday plans.

3. (transitive) If you brighten someone or something, you make it brighter.

   Having the grandchildren visit brightened their day.

Related words

• bright