B2verbemotionswork
US/ˈlaɪ.tən/
UK/ˈlaɪ.tən/
to make something less heavy, serious or dark, or to become less so
In context
A funny story helped lighten the mood at the meeting.
We hired an assistant to lighten my workload before the holidays.
The sky began to lighten just before the sun came up.
Words that go with lighten
verb + noun
- lighten the moodHe told a joke to lighten the mood.
- lighten the loadSharing the chores will lighten the load.
- lighten the burdenNew software could lighten the burden on teachers.
- lighten your workloadDelegating tasks can lighten your workload.
- lighten the colorAdd white paint to lighten the color.
verb + adverb
- lighten upLighten up, it was only a joke.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
lighten up the workloadCorrect: lighten the workload