Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪtn/

Definitions

• Verb: (v) To make something lighter in weight, color, or brightness; to reduce the amount of darkness or shadow. For example: “The sun began to lighten the sky.”
  • Also used intransitively to mean becoming lighter: “The sky lightened as dawn approached.”
• Verb: (v) To relieve or alleviate (a burden, mood, etc.). For example: “Listening to music lightens my mood.”
• Noun: (n) The act or process of making something lighter. For example: “The lighten of his load made him feel much better.”

Phrases

• “Lighten up” means to become less serious or to relax.
• “To lighten the mood” refers to making a situation less tense or gloomy.
• “Lighten someone’s load” means to help ease someone’s burdens or responsibilities.

Example Sentences

• Verb (to make lighter): “She decided to lighten her hair color for the summer season.”
• Verb (to alleviate): “Talking to a counselor really helped to lighten the burden on her shoulders.”
• Noun: “The lighten of his spirits was palpable after he received good news.”

Synonyms

• Brighten
• Relieve
• Ease
• Alleviate
• Lessen
• Reduce
• Enliven
• Cheer (up)
• Lift (up)