What are the definitions of “brighten up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Improve ( weather ).
The day started cloudy but BRIGHTENED UP in the afternoon.
- 2Become happier.
He BRIGHTENED UP when he heard the news.
- 3Make something more attractive or pleasant.
We tried to BRIGHTEN the place UP by painting it.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “brighten up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb brighten up is to make something more attractive, pleasant, or cheerful. It can be used to describe improving the appearance of a place, a person's mood, or even the weather.
What are the different verb forms of “brighten up”?
| Root Verb | brighten up |
| Third Person Singular Present | brightens up |
| Present Participle | brightening up |
| Simple Past | brightened up |
| Past Participle | brightened up |
Example
She decided to brighten up her room with colorful curtains.
Example
The sun always brightens up the room in the morning.
Example
He is brightening up the living room by adding some plants.
Example
The party brightened up when the music started playing.
Example
The room was brightened up with new lighting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “brighten up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“brighten up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The weather brightened up in the afternoon.
Example
She brightened up when she received the good news.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“brighten up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The weather brightened up in the afternoon.
Example
She brightened up when she received the good news.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “brighten up”?
Good things to know
Does “brighten up” have an informal or formal tone?
Brighten up is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal contexts, such as in a business meeting or a written report.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “brighten up”?
Synonyms
- enliven
- revive
- refresh
- rejuvenate
- invigorate
- cheer up
- perk up
- liven up
