Brightener: meaning, definitions and examples

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brightener

 

[ ˈbraɪ.tən.ər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemistry

A substance that is added to a material to make it brighter or more reflective.

Synonyms

enhancer, illuminator, whitener.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brightener

Generally used for products or substances that make things look brighter, often related to cleaning or cosmetic products.

  • Add a fabric brightener to your laundry to make your clothes look newer.
  • Use this skin brightener to reduce dark spots and even out your skin tone.
whitener

Usually related to products that make things whiter, often used for teeth, laundry, or skin.

  • Use this teeth whitener for a brighter smile.
  • Add a whitener to your laundry to remove yellowing from clothes.
enhancer

Commonly used to describe something that improves or amplifies the qualities of another thing, often in terms of functionality, flavor, or performance.

  • This audio enhancer will improve your sound system's quality.
  • Try this flavor enhancer to make your dishes tastier.
illuminator

Typically used in beauty and photography contexts to describe products or tools that add light or highlight certain areas.

  • Apply an illuminator to the high points of your face for a glowing look.
  • The photographer used an illuminator to enhance the subject's features.

Examples of usage

  • The laundry detergent contains a brightener to make the clothes look whiter.
  • The paint additive acts as a brightener to enhance the color of the walls.
Context #2 | Noun

cosmetics

A cosmetic product used to add radiance or glow to the skin.

Synonyms

highlighter, luminizer, radiance booster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brightener

Used primarily in the context of skin care and cosmetics to describe products that make the skin look more radiant and clear.

  • This eye cream acts as a brightener for dark circles
highlighter

Commonly used in makeup to define a type of product that is applied to the face to emphasize features by adding a reflective glow.

  • Apply the highlighter to your cheekbones for a luminous effect
luminizer

Often used interchangeably with highlighter in makeup, but emphasizes creating a dewy, glowing complexion.

  • Mix a few drops of luminizer with your foundation for a natural glow
radiance booster

Typically refers to skin care or cosmetic products designed to enhance the overall brightness and health of the skin.

  • This serum is a great radiance booster, giving your skin a fresh look

Examples of usage

  • She applied a brightener to her cheekbones to give them a highlighted effect.
  • The makeup artist used a brightener under the eyes to reduce dark circles.

Translations

Translations of the word "brightener" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clareador

🇮🇳 चमकदार

🇩🇪 Aufheller

🇮🇩 pencerah

🇺🇦 освітлювач

🇵🇱 rozjaśniacz

🇯🇵 明るくするもの

🇫🇷 éclaircissant

🇪🇸 aclarador

🇹🇷 parlatıcı

🇰🇷 밝게 하는 것

🇸🇦 مُبَيِّض

🇨🇿 rozjasňovač

🇸🇰 zosvetľovač

🇨🇳 增亮剂

🇸🇮 posvetljevalec

🇮🇸 lýsandi

🇰🇿 жарықтандырғыш

🇬🇪 გამათეთრებელი

🇦🇿 ağardıcı

🇲🇽 aclarador

Etymology

The word 'brightener' originated from the combination of 'brighten' with the suffix '-er', which denotes a person or thing that performs a specified action. The term has been used since the late 19th century, primarily in the fields of chemistry and cosmetics.

See also: bright, brighten, brightening, brighter, brightly, brightness.