LIGHTEN


Meaning of LIGHTEN in English

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

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.