Brighten: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing making something lighter or more colorful or when making someone feel happier.

• The new paint will brighten the room.
• Her smile can brighten anyone's day.

Used when making something less heavy, less dark, or less serious.

• She wants to lighten her workload.
• The new curtains will lighten the room.
• The joke helped to lighten the mood.

Used when describing lighting something up, often in a more dramatic or formal sense, or making something clearer or easier to understand.

• The fireworks illuminate the night sky.
• The professor illuminated the complex theory with a simple example.

Used in informal situations to encourage someone to become happier.

• Cheer up! Things will get better.
• I brought you some flowers to cheer you up.

This word is commonly used when talking about making a place, situation, or someone's mood lighter and more cheerful.

• She used new lights to brighten the living room
• His jokes helped to brighten everyone's mood at the party

Used when describing an improvement in quality, value, or attractiveness of something, often in a more subtle or refined way.

• The software update will enhance the user's experience
• Adding some spices can enhance the flavor of your dish

Best used when talking about bringing something back to life or giving new energy and vigor, often after it has been in decline.

• The city council's new projects aim to revitalize the downtown area
• A good night's sleep can revitalize you for the coming day

Appropriate for situations where you want to make something or yourself appear or feel cleaner, newer, or more energetic, typically after some form of renewal or restoration.

• I'm going to freshen up before the guests arrive
• She freshened up the room with a new coat of paint

General term for making something lighter or more cheerful. Used for both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• She used a little makeup to brighten her face.
• A new coat of paint can brighten up the room.

Specific type of makeup used primarily to accentuate certain facial features, creating a glowing effect. Also refers to a colored marker used to highlight text in documents.

• She applied highlighter to her cheekbones for a glowing effect.
• I need a new highlighter to mark important notes in my textbook.

Often refers to cosmetic products designed to give the skin a luminous, radiant appearance. Sometimes used metaphorically in literature or art to describe someone or something that lights up or clarifies a situation.

• The makeup artist used an illuminator to give her skin a healthy glow.
• His words were an illuminator, bringing clarity to a confusing topic.

Usually refers to skincare or cosmetic products that enhance the skin's natural glow and make it look more vibrant. Common in beauty and wellness industries.

• She added a radiance booster to her skincare routine to make her complexion more vibrant.
• This serum acts as a radiance booster for tired and dull skin.