lighten

/ˈlaɪtən/
verb
  1. To make something less heavy or reduce its weight.
    • Using a smaller frame can lighten the overall weight of the bicycle.
    • We need to lighten the load in the trunk so the car can drive uphill.
    • The hikers lightened their backpacks by leaving extra food behind.
  2. To make something brighter or lighter in color.
    • The morning sun began to lighten the dark room.
    • Adding white paint will lighten the shade of blue.
    • She used a special cream to lighten the dark spots on her skin.
  3. To make a mood, situation, or atmosphere less serious, sad, or tense.
    • Listening to cheerful music can lighten your spirits on a rainy day.
    • His joke helped lighten the mood after the argument.
    • The teacher tried to lighten the tension in the classroom with a funny story.
  4. To become less heavy or easier to carry.
    • As the ship unloads its cargo, it will lighten and ride higher in the water.
    • The bag seemed to lighten as we ate the snacks during the hike.
    • Once the snow melts, the roof will lighten considerably.
  5. To become brighter or paler.
    • The sky began to lighten just before sunrise.
    • The stain will lighten after a few washes.
    • Her hair tends to lighten in the summer sun.
  6. To become less serious, sad, or tense.
    • As the storm passed, everyone's mood lightened.
    • The atmosphere in the room lightened after the misunderstanding was cleared up.
    • His expression lightened when he heard the good news.