brighten
UK: ˈbraɪtn | US: ˈbraɪtn
vt. to make or become brighter or lighter
vi. to become more cheerful or hopeful
brighten = bright<shining> + en<verb suffix>
- bright: From Old English beorht ("bright, clear, shining"), related to Germanic berhtaz. Retains its core meaning of luminosity or vividness.
- en: A verb-forming suffix from Old English -nian, used to convert adjectives into verbs (e.g., "soften," "darken").
Etymology Origin:
The word brighten emerged in Middle English by combining the adjective bright with the suffix -en, a productive pattern for creating verbs. The logic is transparent: adding -en to bright extends its meaning to "make or become bright," reflecting both physical light and metaphorical cheerfulness. This mirrors similar Germanic verb formations (e.g., German hellen, "to brighten").
She opened the curtains to brighten the room.
His smile brightened when he saw the surprise.
The sky brightened after the storm passed.
Fresh paint will brighten the old walls.
The news brightened everyone’s mood.