brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrī-tᵊn How to pronounce brighten (audio)
brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ How to pronounce brighten (audio)
ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

1
: to make bright or brighter
you brightened my day
2
: to enhance or intensify the flavor of (food) especially by adding an acidic element (such as citrus juice or vinegar)
Crisp lemon slices brighten smoky bacon and rosemary-infused trout.Melissa Roberts-Matar
brightener
ˈbrīt-nər How to pronounce brighten (audio)
ˈbrī-tᵊn-ər
noun

Examples of brighten in a Sentence

He brightened the picture on the television. Flowers can brighten any room. The good news brightened her mood. The sky brightened after the storm. Business prospects brightened last month. Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This time, Rachel’s face brightens, knowing there could only be one person who would cause Rollo to leave her side. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024 As its name suggests, this serum utilizes the skin-plumping powers of both antioxidant vitamin C and exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids to tighten and brighten the look of skin. Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024 The lineup includes Caramel Brew, a woody, smoky blend that feels like stepping into your favorite café, and Lemon Cake, which brightens creamy almond and caramel with a pop of citrus. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Nov. 2024 The Tank Pad also features an 800-lumen light to brighten up camping adventures. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brighten 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of brighten was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near brighten

Cite this Entry

“Brighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brighten. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

brighten

verb
bright·​en ˈbrīt-ᵊn How to pronounce brighten (audio)
brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ How to pronounce brighten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to make or become bright or brighter

More from Merriam-Webster on brighten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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