lighten

light-en · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To make or become lighter in weight.

  2. 2.

    To make or become lighter in color.

  3. 3.

    To make or become brighter; to illuminate.

  4. 4.

    To make less burdensome or oppressive.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lighten up — to become less serious or tense; to relax
  • •
    lighten the load — to reduce work or responsibility
  • •
    lighten someone's spirits — to improve someone's mood

Related words

Antonyms: burden, darken, weigh down
See also: alleviate, brighten, light, lighter
Synonyms: alleviate, brighten, illuminate, reduce

Etymology

From Old English lihtan ("to make light, relieve of a weight"), from leoht ("light"). The word combines meanings related to both weight and illumination.