# brighten

/ˈbɹaɪtən/ (US) · /bɹˈaɪtən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brighten
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make something more full of light or more colorful. You can also use it to describe someone becoming happier.

For teachers: to make or become more luminous, light, or vivid in color; to cause an improvement in mood or outlook.

## Examples

- Fresh flowers always brighten the room.
- The morning sun began to brighten the valley as the clouds finally cleared away.
- While the new lighting was intended to brighten the workspace, the employees found that the sudden change in mood was actually due to the vibrant new wall art.

## Usage notes

- Can be used both transitively (to brighten something) and intransitively (the sky brightened). Often paired with the particle 'up' for emphasis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.