Meaning of the word lighten in English

What does lighten mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

lighten

US /ˈlaɪ.t̬ən/

UK /ˈlaɪ.tən/

make or become lighter in weight

Example:

•

We need to lighten the load on the truck.

•

The new materials will lighten the overall weight of the aircraft.

Synonym:

ease alleviate reduce lessen unburden

make or become brighter or paler

Example:

•

The morning sun began to lighten the sky.

•

She used a special cream to lighten her hair.

Synonym:

brighten illuminate bleach fade

make or become less serious or more cheerful

Example:

•

He tried to lighten the mood with a joke.

•

The news helped to lighten her worries.

Synonym:

cheer up brighten ease relieve uplift

Related Word:

lighten up