brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrī-tᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-iŋ

intransitive verb

: to become bright or brighter

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 

ˈbrī-tᵊn-ər

noun

Synonyms

• buck up
• cheer (up)
• lighten
• look up
• perk (up)

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

The zest really brightens the flavor of the whole dish. —Amanda Holstein, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024

This potent formula features patented resorcinol technology, glycolic acid, and tranexamic acid to effectively fade discoloration and brighten your complexion. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024

The lotion offers Vitamin C, turmeric, and ferulic acid to brighten and hydrate. —Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024

Investing in chidren's education transforms lives and brightens futures. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

brighten

verb

bright·​en ˈbrīt-ᵊn 

brightened; brightening ˈbrīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become bright or brighter