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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Brighten \Bright"en\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Brightened}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Brightening}.]
Note: [From {Bright}, adjective]
1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.
2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to.
The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. --Swift.
3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects.
An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow. --Philips.
4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. --Johnson.
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |