brighten
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
-
to make or become bright or brighter
-
to make or become cheerful
Other Word Forms
- brightener noun
- rebrighten verb
- unbrightened adjective
Etymology
Origin of brighten
First recorded in 1250–1300, brighten is from the Middle English word brightnen. See bright, -en 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If fresh ice was exposed, why did the comet not brighten right away?
From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026
After a warm and ice-cold shower, he cleanses his face and rubs a frozen cucumber over it, which he says will reduce puffiness, acne and brighten his skin.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
Candyland was designed in 1948 to brighten spirits of children in hospital wards.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026
Winter really does need these tiny pockets of sweetness to brighten the bite, and whether you choose something caramelized and dense or something juicy and sharp, that contrast makes the whole thing sing.
From Salon • Dec. 16, 2025
“Well, I’m going to miss you around the house. Never did see anything brighten up your granddaddy like having you here did.”
From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
