v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Brightened p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening. ] [ From Bright, a. ] 1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase the luster of; to give a brighter hue to. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster or splendor to. [ 1913 Webster ]

The present queen would brighten her character, if she would exert her authority to instill virtues into her people. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

An ecstasy, which mothers only feel,
Plays round my heart and brightens all my sorrow. Philips. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ AS. beorhtan. ] To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful. [ 1913 Webster ]

And night shall brighten into day. N. Cotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

And, all his prospects brightening to the last,
His heaven commences ere world be past. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]