Lighten

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈlaɪ.tÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -aɪtÉ™n

Origin

From light + -en.

Full definition of lighten

Verb

1. (transitive) To alleviate; to reduce the burden of.
2. (transitive) To make light or lighter in weight.
3. (transitive) To make less serious or more cheerful.
• Bible, Psalms xxxiv. 5They looked unto him, were lightened.
4. (transitive) To make brighter or clearer; to illuminate.to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets
• DrydenA key of fire ran all along the shore,
  And lightened all the river with a blaze.
5. (intransitive) To become light or lighter in weight.
6. (intransitive) To become less serious or more cheerful.
7. (intransitive) To become brighter or clearer; to brighten.
8. (intransitive) To burst forth or dart, as lightning; to shine with, or like, lightning; to flash.
• ShakespeareThis dreadful night,
  That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
  As doth the lion.
9. (transitive) To emit or disclose in, or as if in, lightning; to flash out, like lightning.
• ShakespeareHis eye ... lightens forth
  Controlling majesty.
10. To descend; to light.
• Book of Common PrayerO Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us.
11. To illuminate with knowledge; to enlighten.
• Sir J. DaviesLighten my spirit with one clear heavenly ray.

Derived terms

• lighten up