First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1lighten
verb light·en \ˈlī-tən\
light·enedlight·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-tən-iŋ\
Definition of LIGHTEN
transitive verb
1
: to make light or clear : illuminate
2
archaic : enlighten
3
: to make (as a color) lighter
intransitive verb
1
a archaic : to shine brightly b : to grow lighter : brighten
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Origin of LIGHTEN
Middle English lightenen, from light
2lighten
verb
light·enedlight·en·ing \ˈlīt-niŋ, ˈlī-tən-iŋ\
Definition of LIGHTEN
transitive verb
1
intransitive verb
1
: to become lighter or less burdensome
2
: to become more cheerful
— light·en·er \ˈlīt-nər, ˈlī-tən-ər\ noun
First Known Use of LIGHTEN
14th century
Synonym Discussion of LIGHTEN
relieve, alleviate, lighten, assuage, mitigate, allay mean to make something less grievous. relieve implies a lifting of enough of a burden to make it tolerable <took an aspirin to relieve the pain>. alleviate implies temporary or partial lessening of pain or distress <the lotion alleviated the itching>. lighten implies reducing a burdensome or depressing weight <good news would lighten our worries>. assuage implies softening or sweetening what is harsh or disagreeable <ocean breezes assuaged the intense heat>. mitigate suggests a moderating or countering of the effect of something violent or painful <the need to mitigate barbaric laws>. allay implies an effective calming or soothing of fears or alarms <allayed their fears>.
LIGHTEN[1] Defined for Kids
1lighten
verb light·en \ˈlī-tən\
light·enedlight·en·ing
Definition of LIGHTEN for Kids
: to make or become lighter, brighter, or clearer
— light·en·er noun
2lighten
verb
lightenedlightening
Definition of LIGHTEN for Kids
1
: to make or become less heavy
2
: to make less sad or serious <A joke lightened the mood.>
— light·en·er noun
Learn More About LIGHTEN
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