Word
brighten
Phoneticsbright·en, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹaɪtən/
UK/bɹˈaɪtən/
Definition
v. to make something more full of light or more colorful. You can also use it to describe someone becoming happier.
v. 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.”
Examples
simple
“Fresh flowers always brighten the room.”
contextual
“The morning sun began to brighten the valley as the clouds finally cleared away.”
complex
“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
Can be used both transitively (to brighten something) and intransitively (the sky brightened). Often paired with the particle 'up' for emphasis.
Etymology
From bright + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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