lighten

1 of 2

verb (1)

light·​en ˈlī-tᵊn 

lightened; lightening ˈlīt-niŋ 

ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

1

: to make light or clear : illuminate

2

archaic : enlighten

3

: to make (something, such as a color) lighter

intransitive verb

1

a

archaic : to shine brightly

b

: to grow lighter : brighten

2

: to give out flashes of lightning

lighten

2 of 2

verb (2)

lightened; lightening ˈlīt-niŋ 

ˈlī-tᵊn-iŋ

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

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• bathe
• beacon
• emblaze
• illume
• illuminate
• illumine
• irradiate
• light

Verb (2)

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

Choose the Right Synonym for lighten

relieve, alleviate, lighten, assuage, mitigate, allay mean to make something less grievous.

relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable.

took an aspirin to relieve the pain

alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress.

the lotion alleviated the itching

lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight.

good news would lighten our worries

assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable.

ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat

mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful.

the need to mitigate barbaric laws

allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms.

allayed their fears

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

On Saturday, fourth-round defensive tackle Aditomiwa Adebawore is a high-upside disruptor, while tight end Will Mallory and running back Evan Hull can help lighten Richardson's load in the passing game. —Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2023

Let Dropps Oxi Plus pacs lighten your next load and enjoy laundry that is both clean and hassle-free. 14. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2023

At the Fed, the urge to lighten oversight came from the top, in the person of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, who had been placed on the Fed Board by Barack Obama but elevated to the chairmanship by Donald Trump. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2023

So re -- so remember that in 2018, the bill that was passed had a lot of different provisions, including a lot of provisions that lightened some of the regulations, made life easier for the community banks. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2023

Add ⅓ of egg whites to chocolate mixture and fold it in using a whisk to lighten the mousse. —Charlotte Druckman, WSJ, 1 Feb. 2023

As more dramatic colors and rich woods enter the kitchen, expect countertops to lighten the space. —Kristina Mcguirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2023

Running on the Jets is an effective plan, especially to lighten Thompson’s burden. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2023

This will help calm down your system, alleviate tension with your partner, and lighten your spirit. —Nevin Martell, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Dec. 2022

See More

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English lightenen, from light

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing lighten

• lighten up

• lighten up

Kids Definition

lighten

1 of 2 verb

light·​en ˈlīt-ᵊn 

lightened; lightening ˈlīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: to make or become light, lighter, or clear : brighten

2

: to give out flashes of lightning

lightener

ˈlīt-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun

lighten

2 of 2 verb

lightened; lightening ˈlīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become less heavy or less difficult

lighten a load

lightened her duties

lightener

ˈlīt-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun