lighten

¹light·en

verb \ˈlī-t^ən\

light·enedlight·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-t^ən-iŋ\

Definition of LIGHTEN

transitive verb

1

: to make light or clear : illuminate

2

archaic : enlighten

3

: to make (as a color) lighter

intransitive verb

1

a archaic : to shine brightly

b : to grow lighter : brighten

2

: to give out flashes of lightning

— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-t^ən-ər\ noun

Origin of LIGHTEN

Middle English lightenen, from light

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with LIGHTEN

brighten, Brighton, chitin, chiton, frighten, heighten, tighten, titan, triton, whiten

²lighten

verb

light·enedlight·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-t^ən-iŋ\

Definition of LIGHTEN

transitive verb

1

a : to relieve of a burden in whole or in part <the news lightened his mind>

b : to reduce in weight or quantity : lessen

c : to make less wearisome : alleviate <lighten our sorrow>

2

: cheer, gladden

intransitive verb

1

: to become lighter or less burdensome

2

: to become more cheerful

— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-t^ən-ər\ noun

First Known Use of LIGHTEN

14th century