lighten

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To become brighter, or to make something brighter.

   The sky began to lighten just before dawn.

2. 2
   verb

   To make a burden, worry, or load smaller or easier.

   Sharing the work helped lighten her load.

3. 3
   verb

   To become more cheerful or relaxed.

   After a glass of wine, they lightened up a bit.

From Middle English lightnen, equivalent to light + -en.

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