lighten

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

light·en [lighten lightens lightened lightening] BrE [ˈlaɪtn] NAmE [ˈlaɪtn] verb
1. transitive ~ sth to reduce the amount of work, debt, worry, etc. that sb has
Syn: ↑lessen
•equipment to lighten the load of domestic work
•The measures will lighten the tax burden on small businesses.
2. intransitive, transitive to become or make sth become brighter or lighter in colour
•The sky began to lighten in the east.
•~ sth Use bleach to lighten the wood.
3. intransitive, transitive to feel or make sb feel less sad, worried or serious
Syn: ↑cheer
•~ (up) My mood gradually lightened.
•~ sth (up) She told a joke to lighten the atmosphere.
4. transitive ~ sth to make sth lighter in weight
Derived: ↑lighten up
Verb forms:

Example Bank:
•This equipment is designed to lighten the load of domestic work.

• Từ đồng nghĩa / Synonyms:
  relieve, lighten up, brighten, buoy up
• Từ trái nghĩa / Antonyms:
  darken, weigh down, weigh on