lighten
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for lighten, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make or become brighter.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lighten
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
lighten the mood
lighten the load
Etymology
From Middle English lightnen, formed from light + the verb-forming suffix -en.
Full origin of lighten →Frequently asked questions
What does “lighten” mean?
The word “lighten” means to make or become brighter. In plain terms, to make something brighter, lighter in weight, or less serious.
How do you pronounce “lighten”?
“Lighten” is pronounced LEYE-tn (/ˈlaɪ.tn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “lighten” in a sentence?
Here is “lighten” used in a sentence: “The sky began to lighten as dawn approached.”
What part of speech is “lighten”?
“Lighten” is a verb.
Where does the word “lighten” come from?
The word “lighten” comes from Middle English. From Middle English lightnen, formed from light + the verb-forming suffix -en.
Is “lighten” a common word?
“Lighten” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “lighten” have?
“Lighten” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make or become brighter.
