brighten

Everyday

1. To become brighter or lighter, or to make something brighter: «The sky brightened after the rain». tree →
2. To become happier or more cheerful, or to make someone happier: «Her face brightened». tree →
3. To make a place more colourful or pleasant: «Flowers brighten up the classroom». tree →

In the lessons

In weather reports «it will brighten later» means the clouds will clear and the sun may come out. In stories a face brightening shows a character suddenly feels happy or hopeful. In art and design pupils brighten a picture with lighter colours. Phrases: brighten up, brighten someone's day.

Examples

• The sky brightened in the afternoon. tree →
• Your card really brightened my day. tree →
• Her eyes brightened when she saw the puppy. tree →
• We brightened up the classroom with paintings. tree →
• The forecast says it will brighten up after lunch. tree →
• A coat of yellow paint brightened the old shed. tree →
• Grandma brightens whenever we visit. tree →
• When the hunter's tale of the stranger's arrow reached the ears of the chieftain, his face brightened with a smile. tree →

Note

Double the «t»? No: brighten, brightened. «Brighten up» is common in everyday speech. The opposite is «darken» or, for mood, «sadden».

In Jewish tradition

Here it means that his eyes grew bright and lively again, as strength came back after he ate honey. In the primary lessons: In weather reports «it will brighten later» means the clouds will clear and the sun may come out. In stories a face brightening shows a character suddenly feels happy or hopeful. In art and design pupils brighten a picture with lighter colours. Phrases: brighten up, brighten someone's day.

Examples

• Then said Jonathan: 'My father hath troubled the land; see, I pray you, how mine eyes are brightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. (Prophets 1SA.14.29, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Double the «t»? No: brighten, brightened. «Brighten up» is common in everyday speech. The opposite is «darken» or, for mood, «sadden».