Bright"en, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Brightened (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n. Brightening.] [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.