The meaning of LIGHTEN is to make light or clear : illuminate. How to use lighten in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Lighten.

Lighten definition: to become lighter or less dark; brighten.. See examples of LIGHTEN used in a sentence.

LIGHTEN definition: 1. to become less dark: 2. to make a difficult situation or responsibility easier: 3. to make…. Learn more.

1. to make lighter in weight. 2. to lessen the load of or upon. 3. to make less burdensome or oppressive; mitigate: to lighten taxes. 4. to cheer or gladden: Such news lightens my heart.

Definition of lighten verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

to (cause to) become cheery or glad: [~ + object] Such news lightens my heart. [no object] His heart lightened at the thought. lighten up, to (cause to) become less serious or earnest: [no …

When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour. The sky began to lighten.

Oct 23, 2025 · lighten (third-person singular simple present lightens, present participle lightening, simple past and past participle lightened) (transitive) To alleviate; to reduce the burden of. …

To lighten something is to make it brighter or shine a light on it. You can lighten your dark basement room with plenty of lamps and a coat of white paint.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb lighten, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.