lighten Definition

lighten¹
verb lightened, lightening

tr & intr
1. To make or become brighter.
2. To cast light on.
intr
3. To shine or glow.

Etymology: 14c.

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lighten²
verb lightened, lightening

tr & intr
1. To make or become less heavy.
tr & intr
2. To make or become happier or more cheerful.
3. To make (a problem, unhappy mood, etc) less.

Example: tried to lighten her sadness
Thesaurus: mitigate, alleviate, ease, reduce, cut down, decrease.

Derivative: lightening
noun

Etymology: 14c.

Phrasal Verb: lighten up

To relax.To become less serious, angry, etc.