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.


Related Words

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