brighten

views updated Jun 11 2018

bright·en / ˈbrītn/ • v. make or become more light: [intr.] the day began to brighten in the east [tr.] the fire began to blaze fiercely, brightening the room. ∎  [tr.] make (something) more attractively and cheerfully colorful: this colorful hanging ornament will brighten any room daffodils brighten up many gardens and parks. ∎  make or become happier and more cheerful: [intr.] Sarah brightened up considerably as she thought of Emily's words [tr.] she seems to brighten his life.