ˈbrīt ə n verb
( brightened ; brightened ; brightening -t( ə )niŋ ; brightens )
Etymology: Middle English brightnen, from bright, adjective
transitive verb
: to make bright or brighter: as
a. : to cause to shine
brighten a tarnished silver mug by polishing
b. : to make illustrious or more illustrious
brighten an already famous name
c. : to give a brighter hue or luster to
the process of cleaning the oil painting brightened the colors considerably
d. : to make more cheerful : enliven
his presence brightened up the party
intransitive verb
: to become bright or brighter: as
a. : to increase in luminousness
as soon as the moon came out the grove brightened so that one could stroll around without a flashlight
b. : to become more lively or cheerful
the party began to brighten after the drinks were passed around
c. : to become more auspicious
business prospects brightened with every year of peace