brighten
UK[ˈbraɪtn]US[ˈbraɪtn]
v
to become brighter or more cheerful
v
to make something brighter or more cheerful
Morpheme Breakdown
bright
en
bright
en
Etymology
the word 'brighten' is a transparent english formation from the old english adjective 'bright', which itself descends from the proto-germanic berhtaz, meaning 'bright'. this germanic root is further traced to the proto-indo-european root bhereg-, meaning 'to shine, white, bright'. the suffix '-en' is a native english verb-forming element, used to create verbs from adjectives, indicating a change of state. thus, the literal construction 'to make bright' has seamlessly evolved into its modern abstract meanings of making something lighter in color or more cheerful in mood.
Analysis
Structure: bright + en
- bright (old english): from old english beorht, bryht, meaning 'shining, clear, splendid'.
- en (old english): a verb-forming suffix, meaning 'to make or become'.
Examples
the new coat of paint will brighten the room.
her smile seemed to brighten his day.
the sky began to brighten as the sun rose.