lighten
lighten1 definition
lighten (līt′'n)
transitive verb
- to make light or bright; illuminate
- to make light or pale
- to cause to flash in or as in lightning: with out or forth
- Archaic to give knowledge to; enlighten
Etymology: ME lightnen
intransitive verb
- to become light; grow brighter
- to shine brightly; flash
- to give off flashes of lightning
Related Forms:
- lightener light′·ener noun
lighten2 definition
lighten (līt′'n)
transitive verb
- to make lighter in weight
- to make less heavy; reduce the load of
- to make less severe, harsh, or troublesome
- to make more cheerful; gladden
Etymology: ME lihtnen
intransitive verb
- to become lighter in weight
- to become more cheerful
Related Forms:
- lightener light′·ener noun
lighten Idioms
lighten up
Informal to become less serious, angry, worried, concerned, etc.; take it easy
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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