brighten

verb

1. 1

   To make bright or brighter in color.

   We brightened the room with a new coat of paint.

2. 2

   To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to

   The preſent Queen is a Prince of as many and great Virtues as ever filled a Throne: How would it brighten Her Character to the preſent and after Ages, if She would exert Her utmoſt Authority to inſtill ſome Share of thoſe Virtues into Her People, which they are too degenerate to learn only from Her Example.

3. 3

   figurativeTo make more cheerful and pleasant; to enliven

   to brighten one’s prospects

   Having Mark around the place really brightens things up.

   An Ecstasie, which Mothers only feel, / Plays round my heart and brightens up my sorrow.

   Chances for the measure's success brightened considerably […] with the elimination of the term "sexual orientation" […] The new term, "sexual status," has caused several former opponents of the bill […] to change their votes.

4. 4

   To grow bright, or more bright in color; to clear up

   The sun starts to brighten around this time of the year.

   The sky brightened as the storm moved on.

5. 5

   To become brighter or more cheerful in mood

   She brightened when I changed the subject.

   Then his sallow face brightened, for the hall had been carefully furnished, and was very clean. ¶ There was a neat hat-and-umbrella stand, and the stranger's weary feet fell soft on a good, serviceable dark-red drugget, which matched in colour the flock-paper on the walls.

Forms

past tense

brightened

past participle

brightened

present participle

brightening

third person singular

brightens