v.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: light · ened ; light · en · ing \ ' l ī t-ni ŋ , ' l ī -t ə n-i ŋ \
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : to relieve of a burden in whole or in part <the news lighten ed his mind> b : to reduce in weight or quantity : LESSEN < lighten her duties> c : to make less wearisome : ALLEVIATE < lighten our sorrow>
2 : CHEER , GLADDEN
intransitive verb
1 : to become lighter or less burdensome
2 : to become more cheerful
synonyms see RELIEVE
– light · en · er \ ' l ī t-n ə r, ' l ī -t ə n- ə r \ noun