lighten
柯林斯词典
1. V-T/V-I When something lightens or when you lighten it, it becomes less dark in colour. 使变明亮; 变得明亮
The sky began to lighten. 天空开始变得明亮了。
2. V-T If someone lightens a situation, they make it less serious or less boring. 缓和
Anthony felt the need to lighten the atmosphere. 安东尼觉得需要缓和一下气氛。
3. V-T/V-I If your attitude or mood lightens, or if someone or something lightens it, they make you feel more cheerful, happy, and relaxed. 使轻松; 变得轻松
As they approached the outskirts of the city, Ella's mood visibly lightened. 随着他们越来越接近市郊，埃拉的心情明显变得轻松了。
返回 lighten
lighten /ˈlaɪtən/ (lightening,lightened,lightens)
剑桥词典
lighten verb (BECOME BRIGHT)
[ 不及物动词：后面不接宾语的动词 ]to become less dark
变浅，变淡
The sky had lightened and there were breaks in the clouds . 天空变亮了，云也渐渐散开了。
反义词
darken
lighten verb (MAKE LESS HEAVY)
lighten sb's burden, load, etc.to make a difficult situation or responsibility easier
减轻（某人的）负担／压力（等等）
Getting a new assistant will lighten (= reduce ) the workload considerably. 配备一名新助手会极大地减轻工作压力。
lighten verb (MAKE PALE)
[ 及物动词：后面接宾语的动词 ]to make something lighter
使变淡，使变浅
The sun always lightens my hair . 在阳光下，我的头发颜色总是显得浅些。
lighten verb (MAKE/BECOME LESS SERIOUS)
[ 不及物动词：后面不接宾语的动词 or 及物动词：后面接宾语的动词 ]to (cause to) become happier and less worried
（使）心情好转，（使）高兴起来
His mood lightened after the phone call . 他打完电话后情绪好了起来。
He tried to lighten the atmosphere by telling a joke . 他想通过讲笑话来缓解一下气氛。
短语动词
lighten sth uplighten up 返回 lighten