I. ˈlī-t ə n verb
( light·ened ; light·en·ing ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-t ə n-iŋ)
Etymology: Middle English lightenen, from light
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to make light or clear : illuminate
2. archaic : enlighten
3. : to make (as a color) lighter
intransitive verb
1.
a. archaic : to shine brightly
b. : to grow lighter : brighten
2. : to give out flashes of lightning
• light·en·er ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-t ə n-ər noun
II. verb
( light·ened ; light·en·ing ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-t ə n-iŋ)
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 ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-t ə n-ər noun