Lighten
/ˈlaɪtn/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make or become lighter in weight or less heavy.
/ˈlaɪtn/
To make something less heavy.
The hikers lightened their packs by leaving some gear behind.
💡 Simply: Think of lightening your backpack by taking out some heavy textbooks. It's like that! You're making something less heavy.
👶 For kids: To make something not as heavy.
More Examples
I need to lighten my luggage before the flight.
The cargo ship lightened its load to pass over the sandbar.
How It's Used
"She lightened her bag by removing some books."
"The ship lightened its load before entering the shallow harbor."
To make something less dark or brighter in color.
/ˈlaɪtn/
She lightened the fabric by washing it with bleach.
💡 Simply: Like adding a bit of white paint to a dark color to make it a pastel shade. You're lightening the color!
👶 For kids: To make something brighter.
More Examples
The painter lightened the sky with a touch of white.
I need to lighten the exposure in this photo.
How It's Used
"The artist lightened the painting's background with a touch of white."
"The photographer lightened the shadows in the image using software."
To make someone feel less sad, worried, or burdened; to cheer up.
/ˈlaɪtn/
To make someone feel less sad or worried.
A funny story can often lighten the mood.
💡 Simply: If you tell a joke to your friend when they're feeling down, you're trying to lighten their mood and make them feel better.
👶 For kids: To make someone feel happy or not so sad.
More Examples
The news of the surprise party lightened her spirits.
His encouraging words helped to lighten her anxieties.
How It's Used
"The comedian's jokes lightened the mood at the funeral."
"A friendly gesture can often lighten the spirits of someone going through a difficult time."
Idioms & expressions
lighten up
To become more cheerful, or less serious; to relax.
"Come on, lighten up! It's just a game."
From Old English *lihtan* (verb), from *lēoht* (light, bright). Related to German *lichten* and Dutch *lichten*.
Used since Old English, the word has consistently referred to making something less heavy or less dark.
Memory tip
Imagine removing weight from something to make it easier to carry.
Word Origin
"light, bright"