brighten

6 definitions • 13 examples

If the weather brightens, it becomes lighter and less cloudy, with more sun:

The day will start cloudy but brighten later.

brighten up It was rainy this morning, but it brightened up (= the sun started shining) after lunch.

to make a place lighter or more colourful:

The room was small and dark, without so much as a ray of light to brighten the gloom.

brighten something up I used a large red rug to brighten up my living room.

to seem happy or happier, or more full of hope than before:

Her eyes brightened when she saw him enter the room.

brighten up Alex brightened up when he heard the word "dinner".

to make someone feel or make a situation seem happier or more full of hope:

There are, however, one or two items of good news to brighten the economic picture a bit.

brighten someone/something up Seeing her always brightens up my day.

I hoped these flowers might brighten you up.

to become or make something lighter:

[ I ] The lights dimmed, then brightened.

[ M ] Betty painted the room white to brighten it up.

to become or make someone happy or hopeful:

[ T ] Her presence brightens my days.

[ I ] Anna’s face brightened at the thought of a vacation.