brighten, v.
(ˈbraɪt(ə)n)
[ME. brightn-en, corresp. in form to OE. *beorhtnian, in Northumbrian berhtnia, ᵹeberhtnia to make bright, f. beorht bright. It is possible that the mod.Eng. word is a new formation on bright: cf. bright v.]
1. trans. To make bright.
| [c 950 Lindisf. Gosp. John xiii. 32 God ᵹeberhtnade hine on hine seolfne.] 1583 Stanyhurst æneis ii. (Arb.) 53 Thee strand flames fyrye doe brighten. a 1700 Dryden (J.) As her celestial eyes Adorn the world, and brighten up the skies. 1805 Scott Last Minstr. ii. xxiv, When the dawn of day Began to brighten Cheviot gray. 1831 Carlyle Sart. Res. iii. vi, Brightening London smoke itself into gold vapour. |
b. fig.
| 1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, ii. iii. 17 There were two Honors lost..For Yours, may heauenly glory brighten it. 1667 Milton P.L. ix. 634 Hope elevates, and joy Bright'ns his crest. 1872 Black Adv. Phaeton xxvi. 354 This sort of talk brightened up the spirits of our party. |
2. intr. To become bright; to be bright, shine. Often with up.
| a 1300 Cursor M. 9933 Þat castel brightnes..Ouer al þat curt on lenght and brede. 1704 Pope Past., Spring 72 The flowers begin to spring, the skies to brighten. 1768 Beattie Minstr. i. xxx, The rainbow brightens to the setting sun! 1819 Byron Juan ii. lxxxix, The boy's eyes..Brighten'd. 18.. Southey Lodore 58 And whitening and brightening. |
b. In various fig. senses (see bright a.).
| 1709 Pope Ess. Crit. 421 How the style brightens, how the sense refines. 1732 Berkeley Alciphr. I. 183 The Man of Raillery..shall instantly brighten up, and assume a familiar Air. 1875 Jowett Plato I. 239 He brightens up and is wide awake when Homer is..recited. |