Definition of "lighten" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To make brighter or clearer; to illuminate.

   • to lighten an apartment with lamps or gas; to lighten the streets

2. (intransitive) To become brighter or clearer; to brighten.

3. (intransitive, now rare) To flash lightning, to give off lightning.

4. (transitive) To emit or disclose in, or as if in, lightning; to flash out, like lightning.

5. (archaic) To illuminate with knowledge.

verb

1. (transitive) To alleviate; to reduce the burden of.

   • Sorrow can be lightened by being openly brought out.

2. (transitive) To make light or lighter in weight.

3. (transitive) To make less serious or more cheerful.

4. (intransitive) To become light or lighter in weight.

5. (intransitive) To become less serious or more cheerful.

verb

1. To descend; to light.

   • Book of Common Prayer O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us.