Brighten

Definition of Brighten

Bright´en

v. t.	1.	To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to. [imp. & p. p. Brightened ( ); p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening.]
	2.	To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to. The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. - Swift.
	3.	To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects. An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow. - Philips.
	4.	To make acute or witty; to enliven.
v. i.	1.	To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful. And night shall brighten into day. - N. Cotton. And, all his prospects brightening to the last, His heaven commences ere world be past. - Goldsmith.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z