BRIGHTEN, verb transitive britn. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase luster. 1. To make luminous by light from without, or by dispelling gloom; as, to brighten sorrow or prospects. 2. To cheer; to make gay or cheerful. Joy brightens his crest. 3. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; as, to brighten a character. 4. To make acute or witty. BRIGHTEN, verb intransitive britn. To grow bright, or more bright; to clear up; as, the sky brightens. 1. To become less dark or gloomy; as, our prospects brighten
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI