Basic Details
Word: Brighten
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something brighter or more cheerful; to lighten up.
Synonyms: Illuminate, enhance, cheer up
Antonyms: Darken, dull, worsen
Idioms and Phrases
- Brighten someone's day: To do something that makes someone feel happier. Example: "A compliment from her friend really brightened her day."
- Light up like a Christmas tree: To become very cheerful or excited. Example: "He lit up like a Christmas tree when he received the good news."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The flowers in the garden help to brighten the dull landscape of the town.
Example 2: She always tries to brighten her friend's day with a joke or a kind word.
Example 3: The sun began to rise, and its rays started to brighten the room.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "brighten" comes from the Old English word "beorht," which means shining or radiant? This reflects its connection to light and happiness!
Famous Quote
"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light." Aristotle
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "brighten" mean?
a) To make something darker
b) To make something brighter or cheerier
c) To make something heavier
d) To make something smaller
Answer: b) To make something brighter or cheerier
2. Which of these is a synonym of "brighten"?
a) Darken
b) Dull
c) Illuminate
d) Weaken
Answer: c) Illuminate
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "brighten"?
a) Cheer up
b) Enhance
c) Darken
d) Improve
Answer: c) Darken
4. Which sentence uses "brighten" correctly?
a) The clouds brightened the sky during the storm.
b) She painted the walls to brighten her room.
c) He wanted to brighten the food he cooked.
d) The weights brightened his exercise routine.
Answer: b) She painted the walls to brighten her room.
5. Which idiom means to make someone feel happier?
a) Light up like a Christmas tree
b) Brighten someone's day
c) As bright as a button
d) A dark horse
Answer: b) Brighten someone's day
