(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If someone ~s or their face ~s, they suddenly look happier.
Seeing him, she seemed to ~ a little...
VERB: V
•
Brighten up means the same as ~ .
He ~ed up a bit.
PHRASAL VERB: V P
2.
If your eyes ~, you suddenly look interested or excited.
His eyes ~ed and he laughed...
Her tearful eyes ~ed with interest.
VERB: V, V with n
3.
If someone or something ~s a place, they make it more colourful and attractive.
Tubs planted with wallflowers ~ed the area outside the door.
VERB: V n
•
Brighten up means the same as ~ .
David spotted the pink silk lampshade in a shop and thought it would ~ up the room.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V n P
4.
If someone or something ~s a situation or the situation ~s, it becomes more pleasant, enjoyable, or favourable.
That does not do much to ~ the prospects of kids in the city...
It is undeniable that the economic picture is ~ing.
= improve
VERB: V n, V
•
Brighten up means the same as ~ .
His cheerful face ~s up the dullest of days.
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron), also V P
5.
When a light ~s a place or when a place ~s, it becomes brighter or lighter.
The sky above the ridge of mountains ~ed...
The late afternoon sun ~ed the interior of the church.
VERB: V, V n
6.
If the weather ~s, it becomes less cloudy or rainy, and the sun starts to shine.
By early afternoon the weather had ~ed.
VERB: V
•
Brighten up means the same as ~ .
Hopefully it will ~ up, or we’ll be coming back early.
PHRASAL VERB: it V P