Noah Webster
Brighten
BRIGHTEN, verb transitive britn. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase luster.
1. To make luminous by light from without, or by dispelling gloom; as, to brighten sorrow or prospects.
2. To cheer; to make gay or cheerful.
Joy brightens his crest.
3. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; as, to brighten a character.
4. To make acute or witty.
BRIGHTEN, verb intransitive britn. To grow bright, or more bright; to clear up; as, the sky brightens.
1. To become less dark or gloomy; as, our prospects brighten