LIGHTEN Meaning and
Definition
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Lighten is a verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It is often associated with the reduction or decrease of something, both literally and metaphorically.
In its most literal sense, lighten refers to the act of making something less heavy in weight. This can involve removing a portion of the load from an object or reducing the weight of a physical entity. It can also be used in a figurative sense, meaning to alleviate or lessen a burden, whether it is physical, emotional, or metaphorical.
Furthermore, the term may be used to describe the process of brightening or illuminating a space, often through the introduction of additional light sources or by removing obstacles that hinder the passage of light. This definition can also extend to emotions, where lightening can refer to the act of lifting one's spirits, bringing about a sense of happiness or relief.
Additionally, lighten can be used in the context of color or shading, indicating the act of making something appear less dark or intense. This usage often pertains to artwork, photography, or graphic design, where adjustments are made to create a more balanced or vibrant image.
In summary, lighten has several meanings, encompassing the reduction of weight, alleviation of burdens, brightening of spaces or emotions, and adjusting the intensity of color or shading. Its broad range of applications allows for its use in diverse contexts, covering both physical and abstract concepts.
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• To fill with light; to shine like lightning; to flash; to illuminate.
• To make lighter or less heavy; to make less burdensome or afflictive; to cheer; to alleviate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for LIGHTEN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for LIGHTEN
Etymology of LIGHTEN
The word "lighten" originated from the Old English word "līhtan" which means "to make light or to alleviate". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "līhtjaną", meaning "to lighten or illuminate".
Idioms with the word LIGHTEN
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lighten up
The idiom "lighten up" means to relax, not take things too seriously, or have a more lighthearted and carefree attitude.
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lighten your load
The idiom "lighten your load" means to reduce or alleviate the burden or weight of something, whether it is physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It refers to freeing oneself from unnecessary responsibilities, worries, or stresses in order to make life easier or more manageable.
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lighten sb's/the load
To "lighten someone's load" or "lighten the load" means to reduce the burden or responsibility on someone. It can refer to offering assistance or support, sharing the workload, or relieving someone of a difficult or stressful situation. This idiom is often used metaphorically to signify providing help or making someone's life easier.
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lighten up (on sm or sth)
The idiom "lighten up (on someone or something)" means to become less serious, strict, or demanding towards someone or something. It implies relaxing one's attitude, reducing intensity, or giving someone or something a break.
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lighten sth up
The idiom "lighten sth up" means to make something less serious, intense, or heavy. It refers to bringing a casual, humorous, or less intense atmosphere to a situation or conversation. It involves reducing tension, stress, or severity in order to create a more relaxed or enjoyable environment.
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lighten (one's) wallet
The idiom "lighten (one's) wallet" means to spend money, typically a significant amount, resulting in a reduced amount of money in one's wallet or bank account. It implies that the person has willingly or unwillingly spent a considerable sum of money, often on something unnecessary or expensive.
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lighten (one's) load
The idiom "lighten (one's) load" means to ease or relieve someone's burden, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental. It refers to the act of reducing or removing the weight, pressure, or responsibilities that someone carries, thereby making their situation easier or more manageable.
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lighten the load
The idiom "lighten the load" means to make a burden or task less heavy or difficult. It can refer to relieving someone of a physical, emotional, or mental weight, thereby alleviating their stress or difficulty.
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lighten something up
The idiom "lighten something up" means to make something less serious, tense, or heavy. It can refer to adding humor, making a situation more relaxed, or relieving stress or pressure.
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lighten up (on someone or something)
The idiom "lighten up (on someone or something)" means to become less strict, serious, or critical towards someone or something. It suggests that the person should relax, be less severe, or ease the pressure. It can also imply the need to have a more lighthearted or positive approach.
Similar spelling words for LIGHTEN
- lightning,
- lighten up,
- light pen,
- listen,
- lighted,
- lighting,
- Leighton,
- listen in,
- lightening,
- Lightened,
- light,
- tighten,
- light time,
- lighter,
- lightness,
- listening,
- light unit,
- listener,
- lichtman,
- lightner,
- lightens.
Conjugate verb Lighten
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have lightened
you
would have lightened
he/she/it
would have lightened
we
would have lightened
they
would have lightened
I
would have lighten
you
would have lighten
he/she/it
would have lighten
we
would have lighten
they
would have lighten
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been lightening
you
would have been lightening
he/she/it
would have been lightening
we
would have been lightening
they
would have been lightening
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would lighten
you
would lighten
he/she/it
would lighten
we
would lighten
they
would lighten
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be lightening
you
would be lightening
he/she/it
would be lightening
we
would be lightening
they
would be lightening
FUTURE
I
will lighten
you
will lighten
he/she/it
will lighten
we
will lighten
they
will lighten
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be lightening
you
will be lightening
he/she/it
will be lightening
we
will be lightening
they
will be lightening
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have lightened
you
will have lightened
he/she/it
will have lightened
we
will have lightened
they
will have lightened
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been lightening
you
will have been lightening
he/she/it
will have been lightening
we
will have been lightening
they
will have been lightening
IMPERATIVE
you
lighten
we
let´s lighten
to lighten
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was lightening
you
were lightening
he/she/it
was lightening
we
were lightening
they
were lightening
PAST PARTICIPLE
lightened
PAST PERFECT
I
had lightened
you
had lightened
he/she/it
had lightened
we
had lightened
they
had lightened
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been lightening
you
had been lightening
he/she/it
had been lightening
we
had been lightening
they
had been lightening
PRESENT
I
lighten
you
lighten
he/she/it
lightens
we
lighten
they
lighten
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am lightening
you
are lightening
he/she/it
is lightening
we
are lightening
they
are lightening
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
lightening
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have lightened
you
have lightened
he/she/it
has lightened
we
have lightened
they
have lightened
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been lightening
you
have been lightening
he/she/it
has been lightening
we
have been lightening
they
have been lightening
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
lighten
SIMPLE PAST
I
lightened
you
lightened
he/she/it
lightened
we
lightened
they
lightened
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