brighten etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English بريhten ("to draw," "to smear," "to make clear")
  • Proto-West Germanic brehtian
  • Proto-Germanic brektianą

Meaning:

  • To make or become clear, light, or cheerful
  • To make or become more intelligent or perceptive
  • To improve or enhance

Origin:

The word "brighten" is believed to be derived from an Indo-European root bhregh-, meaning "to shine" or "to be bright." This root also gave rise to the English words "bright" and "brook."

Usage:

  • To make or become clear: The sun brightened the room as it rose above the horizon.
  • To make or become more intelligent or perceptive: Education can brighten the mind and expand knowledge.
  • To improve or enhance: A smile brightened her face and made her look more radiant.

brighten relate terms

  • bright

    Etymology The word bright comes from the Old English word briht which is related to

  • Robert

    Etymology The name Robert is of Germanic origin It is derived from two Old High German

  • Albert

    Etymology Albert is a Germanic name derived from the Old High German name Adalberaht whi

  • Bertha

    Etymology Old High German beraht bright famous Proto Germanic berhtaz bright

  • Egbert

    Etymology The name Egbert is of Old English origin consisting of two elements Ec g

  • Gilbert

    Etymology Old German Giselbert Compound of Gisil Hostage pledge Behrt Bright

  • Herbert

    Etymology Old High German Heribrant Composed of the elements heri army host

  • Hubert

    Etymology Hubert is derived from the Old German name Hugubert which is composed of two

  • Lambert

    Etymology Germanic Landbehrt land bright Meaning Bright land or famous l

  • darken

    Etymology Darken comes from the Old English word deorc meaning dark obscure or evil

  • weaken

    Etymology Weaken comes from the Old English word wacian meaning to become weak or to

  • darken

    Etymology Darken comes from the Old English word deorc meaning dark obscure or evil

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • luster

    Etymology Middle English lustre from Old French lustre from Latin lūstrum wash pu

  • incendiary

    Etymology The word incendiary comes from the Latin word incendiarius which means ar

  • white

    Etymology The word white originates from the Old English word hwit which is believe

  • alert

    Etymology The word alert comes from the Latin word alterāre which means to alter

  • alter

    Etymology The word alter comes from the Latin verb alterare which means to change

  • change

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

  • modify

    1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f

  • light

    Etymology The word light comes from the Old English word liht meaning bright or