The meaning of LIGHTEN is to make light or clear : illuminate. How to use lighten in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Lighten.

LIGHTEN definition: to become lighter or less dark; brighten. See examples of lighten used in a sentence.

Definition of lighten verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

lighten verb (MAKE LESS HEAVY) lighten someone's burden, load, etc. to make a difficult situation or responsibility easier:

1. to make lighter in weight. 2. to lessen the load of or upon. 3. to make less burdensome or oppressive; mitigate: to lighten taxes. 4. to cheer or gladden: Such news lightens my heart.

to make lighter in weight:[~ + object] They lightened the sinking lifeboat by throwing off extra weight. to (cause to) become less of a burden: [~ + object] to lighten taxes. [no object] Our responsibilities have …

Lighten definition: To enlighten.

When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour. The sky began to lighten.

To lighten means to reduce the darkness or intensity of something. This could refer to making a physical object less heavy, a mood or atmosphere less serious or gloomy, or a color less intense.

LIGHTEN meaning: 1 : to make (something) bright, light, or clear; 2 : to become bright, light, or clear