WordGarden.iobrighten
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈaɪtən/
US
- /ˈbraɪtən/
Meanings
Verb
to make or become lighter, brighter, or more illuminated
to make or become happier or more cheerful
to make something look more lively, attractive, or colorful
More meaningsFewer meanings
to make or become more hopeful, favorable, or promising
Beyond the definition
To brighten something isn't just about turning on a light! It can mean making colors more vivid – brightening a room with a fresh coat of paint, for example. But it also means to make someone feel better. A funny story can brighten your day, and a kind word can brighten someone's mood. Think of sunshine: it brightens the world around us, both visually and emotionally. You might even say a good deed "brightens" your outlook on life!
The word "brighten" has a lovely duality – it speaks to both physical illumination and emotional upliftment. At its core, to brighten means to make something more radiant or cheerful.
Physically, you can brighten a room by adding lamps, painting the walls a lighter color, or simply opening the curtains. "She brightened the living room with colorful throw pillows." This refers to increasing the level of light or making colors appear more vibrant.
But "brighten" also beautifully describes improving someone's mood or spirits. A compliment can brighten their day, good news can brighten their outlook, and a warm smile can brighten their entire world. "His visit really brightened her week." This is about adding joy, hope, or positivity to someone's experience.
Interestingly, "brighten" implies a change from something duller or darker. It's not just being bright; it's becoming brighter. A cloudy day might brighten as the sun peeks through, and a sad face can brighten with a genuine laugh.
So whether you're illuminating a space or lifting someone's spirits, to brighten is to add light, color, and joy – making things more cheerful and hopeful.
Examples
- 1
Home decor
A few plants can brighten a small apartment.
- 2
Daylight
The sky began to brighten just before sunrise.
- 3
Facial reaction
Her face brightened when she saw her brother at the door.
- 4
Interior design
Fresh paint would really brighten up the hallway.
- Phrasebrighten up
make a place look lighter, fresher, or more cheerful
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Emotional effect
Their visit brightened an otherwise stressful week.
- 6
Negotiations
Hopes of a quick agreement brightened after the second meeting.
- 7
Encouragement
"Brighten up," he told me, "things will look better tomorrow."
- Phrasebrighten up
become happier or more cheerful
See also
Similar
- lighten
- illuminate
- light up
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- brighten a room
- brighten the sky
- brighten up
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- brightenverb
Forms
- brightenedpast tenseverb
- brightening-ing formverb
- brightensverb