- lighten
- [[t]la͟ɪt(ə)n[/t]]
lightens, lightening, lightened1) V-ERG When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour.
The sky began to lighten...
[V n] Leslie lightens her hair and has now had it cut into a short, feathered style.
Ant:2) VERB If someone lightens a situation, they make it less serious or less boring.[V n] Anthony felt the need to lighten the atmosphere...
[V n] He managed to lighten the generally lifeless debate at times...
[V n] Her existence was lightened by bits of gossip.
3) V-ERG If your attitude, or mood lightens, or if someone or something lightens it, they make you feel more cheerful, happy, and relaxed.As they approached the outskirts of the city, Ella's mood visibly lightened...
[V n] The sun was streaming in through the window, yet it did nothing to lighten his mood.
4) VERB If you lighten something, you make it less heavy.[V n] It is a good idea to blend it in a food processor as this lightens the mixture...
[V-ed] He pulled the lightened sled with all his strength.
5) PHRASE: V inflects If someone or something lightens your burden or your load, they make a bad or difficult situation better for you.The minister has persuaded the banks to lighten the burden of the foreign debt...
In sharing this secret you lighten your burden...
If you are responsible for children, lighten the load by asking others to help.
Phrasal Verbs:
English dictionary. 2008.