brighten
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for brighten, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make or become lighter or more vivid in colour.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use brighten
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
brighten up
brighten someone's day
brighten the mood
Etymology
From bright plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Full origin of brighten →Frequently asked questions
What does “brighten” mean?
The word “brighten” means to make or become lighter or more vivid in colour. In plain terms, to make something lighter, more colourful, or more cheerful — or to become that way.
How do you pronounce “brighten”?
“Brighten” is pronounced BREYE-tuhn ([ˈbɹaɪ̯ʔn̩] in IPA).
How do you use “brighten” in a sentence?
Here is “brighten” used in a sentence: “A coat of white paint brightened the whole room.”
What part of speech is “brighten”?
“Brighten” is a verb.
Is “brighten” a common word?
“Brighten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brighten” have?
“Brighten” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make or become lighter or more vivid in colour.
