Hypertext Webster Gateway: "brighten"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Brighten \Bright"en\, v. i. [AS. beorhtan.]
To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or
gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.

And night shall brighten into day. --N. Cotton.

And, all his prospects brightening to the last, His
heaven commences ere world be past. --Goldsmith.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Brighten \Bright"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Brightened}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Brightening}.]

Note: [From {Bright}, a.]
1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase
the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.

2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster
or splendor to.

The present queen would brighten her character, if
she would exert her authority to instill virtues
into her people. --Swift.

3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that
which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make
cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects.

An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my
heart and brightens all my sorrow. --Philips.

4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. --Johnson.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

brighten
v 1: make lighter or brighter; "The paint will brighten the room"
[syn: {lighten up}, {lighten}] [ant: {darken}]
2: become clear; "The sky cleared after the storm." [syn: {clear
up}, {clear}, {light up}] [ant: {overcast}]
3: become brighter; "The sjy brightened around noon"; "Her face
brightened when she heard the good news" [ant: {darken}]
4: become brighter; "The sky brightened" [syn: {lighten}] [ant:
{darken}]


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