lighten

I

light•en

[[t]ˈlaɪt n[/t]] v. i.

1) to become lighter or less dark; brighten

2) to brighten or light up, as the eyes or features

3) to flash as or like lightning

4) archaic to shine, gleam, or be bright

5) to give light to; illuminate

6) to brighten (the eyes, etc.)

7) to make lighter or less dark

8) Obs. to flash or emit like lightning

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME; see light I, -en I light′en•er, n. II

light•en

[[t]ˈlaɪt n[/t]] v. -ened, -en•ing. v.t.

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[/ex]

4) to cheer or gladden:

Such news lightens my heart[/ex]

5) to become less severe, stringent, or harsh; ease up

6) to become less heavy, burdensome, or oppressive

7) to become less gloomy; perk up

8) phv lighten up, to become less serious or earnest

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME; see light II, -en I