-ing form
Making a place or thing lighter or more colorful.
The new lamps are brightening the room.
Brightening the walls with fresh paint made the office feel larger.
American English
How to pronounce brightening
verbB1
BRAIdduhnihng
/ˈbɹaɪ.ɾə.nɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of brighten
Making a place or thing lighter or more colorful.
What to listen for
Brightening is commonly pronounced /ˈbɹaɪ.ɾə.nɪŋ/. You may also hear /ˈbɹaɪt̚.nɪŋ/, with the middle vowel left out in natural speech.
Common pronunciation/ˈbɹaɪ.ɾə.nɪŋ/
Shorter pronunciation/ˈbɹaɪt̚.nɪŋ/
Meanings & examples
-ing form
Making someone feel happier.
The good news is brightening her mood.
His funny message is brightening my day.