lighten

[ˈlaɪt(ə)n]

lighten Definition

• 1. make or become lighter in weight, pressure, or severity
• 2. make or become brighter or more light
• 3. cheer up or make someone's mood less serious

Using lighten: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lighten" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She tried to lighten the load by taking some of the books out of her backpack.

• Example

  The sky began to lighten as the sun rose over the horizon.

• Example

  He told a joke to lighten the mood in the room.

lighten Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lighten

• brighten
• lessen
• reduce
• relieve
• alleviate

Antonyms for lighten

• darken
• worsen
• intensify
• weigh down

Phrases with lighten

• lighten up

  to become less serious or strict, or to make someone else do so

  Example

  You need to lighten up and enjoy life a little more.

• lighten the load/burden

  to make something less heavy or difficult to deal with

  Example

  I'll help you carry those boxes to lighten the load.

• lighten one's wallet/purse

  to spend a lot of money

  Example

  Going on vacation always lightens my wallet.

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Summary: lighten in Brief

To 'lighten' [ˈlaɪt(ə)n] means to make something less heavy, severe, or serious. It can also mean to make something brighter or to improve someone's mood. Examples include 'She tried to lighten the load by taking some of the books out of her backpack,' and 'He told a joke to lighten the mood in the room.' Phrases include 'lighten up,' meaning to become less serious, and 'lighten the load,' meaning to make something less heavy.