説明中心

lighten

[ˈlaɪt(ə)n]

lighten Definition

  • 1make or become lighter in weight, pressure, or severity
  • 2make or become brighter or more light
  • 3cheer 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

Antonyms for lighten

Phrases with lighten

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?