lightening Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy; the fetus is said to have dropped
   
2. noun changing to a lighter color
   whitening.
   
3. verb make more cheerful
   lighten; lighten up; buoy up.
   
   • the conversation lightened me up a bit
4. verb reduce the weight on; make lighter
   lighten.
   
   • she lightened the load on the tired donkey
5. verb become more cheerful
   lighten; lighten up; buoy up.
   
   • after a glass of wine, he lightened up a bit
6. verb make lighter or brighter
   lighten; brighten; lighten up.
   
   • The paint will brighten the room
7. verb become lighter
   lighten; lighten up.
   
   • The room lightened up
8. verb alleviate or remove (pressure or stress) or make less oppressive
   lighten; relieve.
   
   • relieve the pressure and the stress
   • lighten the burden of caring for her elderly parents

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