Words / B2

LYTN/ˈlaɪtn/

To lighten is to make brighter or less heavy, or to make a mood less serious: lighten the load; lighten up (informal). Ease is close for burden; brighten is for light. The union asked to lighten Year 11’s mock load. Mix-up: lightning is the flash (already in the dictionary); lighting is lamps. Do not write lighten for “turn on the lights” if you mean lighting.

Meaning

To make or become brighter or less heavy; also to make a mood less serious.

Examples

• “Lighten the load on Year 11 by moving one mock, the union asked.”
• “The skylight lightened the hall, which is the brightness sense.”

Good to know

lighten the load / mood; lighten up (informal). Close (burden): ease. Trap: lightning / lighting. Pastoral and design. Less heavy or brighter, not a storm.

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