Lexic.us

Definition of Brighten

1. Verb. Make lighter or brighter. "The paint will brighten the room"

Definition of Brighten

1. v. t. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.

2. v. i. To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.

Definition of Brighten

1. Verb. (transitive) To make bright or brighter in color ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) To add luster or splendor to ¹

3. Verb. (transitive) (figuratively) To make more cheerful and pleasant; to enliven ¹

4. Verb. (intransitive) To grow bright, or more bright in color; to clear up ¹

5. Verb. (intransitive) To become brighter or more cheerful in mood ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Brighten

1. to make bright [v -ED, -ING, -S] - See also: bright

Medical Definition of Brighten

1. 1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to. 2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to. "The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people." (Swift) 3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects. "An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow." (Philips) 4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. Origin: From Bright. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Brighten

Literary usage of Brighten

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Memoranda of the Experience, Labors, and Travels of a Universalist Preacher by George] [Rogers (1845)
"From the time of that meeting the clouds began to clear away from my sky, and sunshine once more to brighten the landscape of my prospects ; the numerous ..."

2. Among the Isles of Shoals by Celia Thaxter (1873)
"Yet would he brighten with a faint attempt at a smile when bread and • meat were put into his hands, and say, over and over again, " Ye 're a Christian, ..."

3. The Knickerbocker: Or, New-York Monthly Magazine by Charles Fenno Hoffman, Timothy Flint, Lewis Gaylord Clark, Kinahan Cornwallis, John Holmes Agnew (1838)
"... to brighten the glory of Sir Walter Scott, who, to the very last, rendered his warm tribute of praise to the character of his old friend and partner, ..."

4. The Romance of the American Theatre by Mary Caroline Crawford (1913)
"... raises her voice and extends her chest; her eyes brighten; she treads like a sovereign; her voice vibrates, instinct with the passion that agitates her. ..."

5. The Pursuits of Literature: A Satirical Poem in Four Dialogues, with Notes by Thomas James Mathias (1801)
"... When his last praise from parting (/i)Reynolds broke: And all whose brows, with ivy grac'd or bays, brighten'd their LEO'S visionary days. ..."

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