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lighten

verb
🔊/ˈlaɪtn/
🔊/ˈlaɪtn/
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they lighten
🔊/ˈlaɪtn/
🔊/ˈlaɪtn/
he / she / it lightens
🔊/ˈlaɪtnz/
🔊/ˈlaɪtnz/
past simple lightened
🔊/ˈlaɪtnd/
🔊/ˈlaɪtnd/
past participle lightened
🔊/ˈlaɪtnd/
🔊/ˈlaɪtnd/
-ing form lightening
🔊/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/
🔊/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/
Phrasal Verbs
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  1. [transitive] lighten something to reduce the amount of work, debt, worry, etc. that somebody has减轻，减少（工作量、债务、担忧等） synonym lessen
    • equipment to lighten the load of domestic work减轻家务负担的设备
    • The measures will lighten the tax burden on small businesses.这些措施将减轻小型企业的纳税负担。🔊🔊
  2. [intransitive, transitive] to become or make something become brighter or lighter in colour（使）变明亮，变成淡色
    • The sky began to lighten in the east.东方开始透亮了。🔊🔊
    • lighten something Use bleach to lighten the wood.用漂白剂把木材颜色漂浅。🔊🔊
    Topics Colours and Shapesc1
  3. [intransitive, transitive] to feel or make somebody feel less sad, worried or serious（使）感到不那么悲伤（或担忧、严肃）；缓和 synonym cheer
    • lighten (up) My mood gradually lightened.我的心情渐渐好起来。🔊🔊
    • lighten something (up) She told a joke to lighten the atmosphere.她讲了个笑话以缓和气氛。🔊🔊
  4. [transitive] lighten something to make something lighter in weight减轻…的重量