\Bright"en\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Brightened}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Brightening}.]
Note: [From {Bright}, a.]
1. To make bright or brighter; to make to shine; to increase
   the luster of; to give a brighter hue to.
2. To make illustrious, or more distinguished; to add luster
   or splendor to.
         The present queen would brighten her character, if
         she would exert her authority to instill virtues
         into her people.                      --Swift.
3. To improve or relieve by dispelling gloom or removing that
   which obscures and darkens; to shed light upon; to make
   cheerful; as, to brighten one's prospects.
         An ecstasy, which mothers only feel, Plays round my
         heart and brightens all my sorrow.    --Philips.
4. To make acute or witty; to enliven. --Johnson.

\Bright"en\, v. i. [AS. beorhtan.]
To grow bright, or more bright; to become less dark or
gloomy; to clear up; to become bright or cheerful.
      And night shall brighten into day.       --N. Cotton.
      And, all his prospects brightening to the last, His
      heaven commences ere world be past.      --Goldsmith.