brighten up
A2 neutral mixed both
In simple words
to make something lighter or happier
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
to become brighter with more light or colour, or to make something brighter
"A few yellow cushions will brighten up the living room."
"The weather had brightened up a bit by the afternoon."
— BBC News weather reports, common broadcast phrasing
Grammar: mixed
2 A2
idiomatic
neutral
to become happier or more cheerful, or to make someone feel happier
"She brightened up when she heard her brother was coming home."
"Her face brightened up."
— Common narrative phrasing in English fiction; no single secure citation recalled
Grammar: mixed
Usage notes
Very common in everyday English for weather, rooms, faces, mood, and appearance. In the command 'Brighten up!' it can sound a little sharp.
Commonly used with
room day mood face weather house
Forms
Base
brighten up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brightens up
he/she/it
Past simple
brightened up
yesterday
Past participle
brightened up
have + pp
-ing form
brightening up
continuous
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Synonyms
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