brighten
/ˈbɹaɪtən/ verb B2- To make bright or brighter in color. · We brightened the room with a new coat of paint.
- To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to
- To make more cheerful and pleasant; to enliven · to brighten one’s prospects· Having Mark around the place really brightens things up.
- 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.
- To become brighter or more cheerful in mood · She brightened when I changed the subject.
Plural brighten · He/she/it brightens · Past brightened · Past participle brightened · -ing form brightening
Verb forms
- Base form
- brighten
- He/she/it
- brightens
- Past
- brightened
- Past participle
- brightened
- -ing form
- brightening
From the library
“It is well,” said Monte Cristo whose countenance brightened at these words; “you wish it—you are inflexible.
He brightened and rubbed his thin hands together as he listened to the meagre but remarkable details.
The countenance of old Dantès brightened.
Swiftly and methodically Holmes turned over the contents of drawer after drawer and cupboard after cupboard, but no gleam of success came to brighten his austere face.
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