BRIGHTEN


Meaning of BRIGHTEN in English

/ ˈbraɪtn; NAmE / verb

1.

to become or make sth lighter or brighter in colour :

[ v ]

In the distance, the sky was beginning to brighten.

[ vn ]

a shampoo to brighten and condition your hair

2.

brighten (sth) (up) to become, feel or look happier; to make sb look happier :

[ v ]

Her eyes brightened.

He brightened up at their words of encouragement.

[ vn ]

A smile brightened her face.

3.

brighten (sth) (up) to become or make sth become more pleasant or enjoyable; to bring hope :

[ vn ]

A personal letter will usually brighten up a person's day.

[also v ]

4.

[ vn ] brighten sth (up) to make sth look more brightly coloured and attractive :

Fresh flowers will brighten up any room in the house.

5.

[ v ] brighten (up) ( of the weather ) to improve and become brighter :

According to the forecast, it should brighten up later.

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WORD ORIGIN

Old English (ge)beorhtnian .

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.