online vocabulary.com

Brightening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Brightening means becoming lighter or more radiant, often referring to light, color, or mood. It can describe the sky at dawn, a smile that grows happier, or a room illuminated by lamps.

brightening

/ˈbraɪtənɪŋ/ /ˈbraɪtnɪŋ/

Definition:

Making or becoming lighter, more cheerful, or more radiant.

Synonyms:

Illuminating, lightening, cheering, enhancing, uplifting

Part of Speech:

Noun, verb (present participle)

Antonyms:

Darkening, dimming, dulling

Common Collocations:

Brightening effect, brightening cream, brightening smile, brightening prospects

Derivatives:

Brighten (verb), brightener (noun)

Usage Tips:

Use "brightening" to describe light increasing or moods improving; often paired with nouns like "sky" or "expression."

Common Phrases:

Brightening up the day, brightening someone’s mood, brightening the room

Etymology:

Derived from Old English "beorht," meaning "bright," combined with "-en," a verb-forming suffix indicating causation.

Examples:

  • 1. The sun is brightening the sky this morning.
  • 2. Her smile had a brightening effect on everyone around her.
  • 3. This cream claims to have skin-brightening properties.
  • 4. The weather forecast predicts brightening skies by afternoon.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS