lighten
//ˈlaɪ.tən//
Verb
lightenInfinitive
lightenPresent tense
lightenedPast tense
lightenedPast participle
lighteningPresent participle
lightensThird-person singular
1
To make or become brighter or more illuminated.
The sky began to lighten as the sun rose.
2
To make a color paler or less intense.
I added white paint to lighten the blue.
Synonym
Antonym
Verb
lightenInfinitive
lightenPresent tense
lightenedPast tense
lightenedPast participle
lighteningPresent participle
lightensThird-person singular
1
To make or become less heavy in weight.
I need to lighten my suitcase before the flight.
2
To reduce the burden, severity, or seriousness of something.
A joke can lighten the mood in a tense meeting.
3
To make someone's mood more cheerful or less serious.
A good joke can lighten the mood in a tense meeting.