Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Brighten
1.
To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.
2.
To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to.
The present queen would
brighten
her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. Swift.
3.
To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful;
as, to
. brighten
one’s prospectsAn ecstasy, which mothers only feel,
Plays round my heart and
Plays round my heart and
brightens
all my sorrow. Philips.
4.
To make acute or witty; to enliven.
Johnson.
Bright′en
,Verb.
I.
[AS.
beorhtan
.] To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.
And night shall
brighten
into day. N. Cotton.
And, all his prospects
His heaven commences ere world be past.
brightening
to the last,His heaven commences ere world be past.
Goldsmith.
Webster 1828 Edition
Brighten
BRIGHTEN
,Verb.
T.
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.
I.
1.
To become less dark or gloomy; as, our prospects brighten.