Brightening

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Brighten \Bright"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Brightened}; p. pr. &
     vb. n. {Brightening}.]
  
     Note: [From {Bright}, a.]
     1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase
        the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.


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     2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster
        or splendor to.
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              The present queen would brighten her character, if
              she would exert her authority to instill virtues
              into her people.                      --Swift.
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     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.
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              An ecstasy, which mothers only feel,
              Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow.
                                                    --Philips.
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     4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. --Johnson.
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