Definition

To make something more light or cheerful in appearance or mood.

Example

The new paint will brighten the room significantly.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I really think some new plants could brighten up this room.

That's a great idea! Plants always add a nice touch.

Exactly! Plus, they can make the air feel fresher too.

Yeah, let's go shopping for some this weekend!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Brighten → It is formed from "bright" (from Old English *beorht*, meaning shining or radiant) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to cause to become). The word "brighten" means to make something become bright or to increase its brightness.

Memory Tip

Think of something becoming more 'shining' ('bright') when you 'cause it to become' ('-en'). This helps you remember that brighten means to make something brighter.

Visually Confused Words