lighten
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
lightens;
lightened;
lightening
lightens;
lightened;
lightening
Britannica Dictionary definition of LIGHTEN
1
[+ object]
:
to make (something) bright, light, or clear
-
She tried several dyes to lighten her hair.
-
He turned on a few lamps to lighten (up) the room.
2
[no object]
:
to become bright, light, or clear
-
The sky lightened [=brightened] as the clouds began to move away but darkened again when the clouds returned.
—
compare 2lighten
-
a hair/skin lightener [=a chemical or dye used to make a person's hair or skin less dark]
2
lighten
/ˈlaɪtn̩/
verb
lightens;
lightened;
lightening
2
lighten
/ˈlaɪtn̩/
verb
lightens;
lightened;
lightening
Britannica Dictionary definition of LIGHTEN
1
a
[+ object]
:
to make (something) less heavy, difficult, or severe
-
lighten a burden
-
Others helped out and lightened his load.
-
lightening her duties around the house
b
[no object]
:
to become less heavy, difficult, or severe
-
His workload has lightened in recent weeks.
2
a
[+ object]
:
to make (something) less sad or serious
-
He told a few jokes in an attempt to lighten her mood.
-
lighten the atmosphere/conversation
b
[no object]
:
to become less sad or serious
-
Her somber mood gradually lightened [=brightened] as the weather improved.
3
[no object]
:
to become less forceful
-
The wind lightened a bit.
lighten up
[phrasal verb] informal
:
to become more relaxed and informal
:
to stop being serious, worried, etc.
— often used as a command
-
He really needs to lighten up and relax a little.
-
Lighten up (a bit) and enjoy yourself!
—
compare 1lighten
