Brighten — Defs

01 v. t. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.

imp. & p. p. Brightened; p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening

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 prospects.
“An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow.” — Philips.
4.
To make acute or witty; to enliven.

02 v. i. To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.

1.
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 brightening to the last, His heaven commences ere world be past.” — Goldsmith.