easy
We removed books to lighten the backpack.
What does Lighten mean?
Lighten means to make lighter.
Dictionary definition
To make something less heavy, less dark, or less serious.
Example sentences
Lighten in a sentence
medium
The paint will lighten as it dries.
hard
A kind joke helped lighten the mood after a difficult moment.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice lighten in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Lighten
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does lighten mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of lighten.
Practice 2
Which word is an antonym of lighten?
Darken is an opposite when lighten means make brighter or less dark.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses lighten correctly?
The correct sentence uses lighten in context.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Lighten
Voice settings
Sounds like
lye · tuhn · strongest beat: lye
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordLighten.
Partverb.
MeaningLighten means to make lighter.
ExampleExample: We removed books to lighten the backpack.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- lye · tuhn
- Strongest beat
- lye
- Ending
- tuhn
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on lye.
Your turn
Say Lighten
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced lighten.
Synonyms
Words like Lighten
brightento make lighter or more cheerful
easeto make less heavy, serious, or difficult
Antonyms
Opposite words
darkento make darker
weigh downto make heavier or more difficult
Synonym practice
Want to practice lighten synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The lamp helped lighten the dark hallway," then compare close word choices. Practice lighten synonyms.
Word family
Lighten word family
Base word
lighten
verb
lighten
Base form.
verb
lightened
Made lighter in the past.
verb
lightening
Making lighter now.
adjective
light
Not heavy or bright.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Lighten
Hint for students
Lighten means to make lighter.
Common mix-up
Lighten is not the same as darken. Lighten means lighten means to make lighter.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The paint will lighten as it dries. Clue words: paint, will, dries. Underline clue words that show why lighten fits instead of darken. Now write one new sentence that shows lighten without using the word lighten. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show lighten?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The paint will lighten as it dries." Why does lighten fit better than darken?
Learning activities
Practice Lighten and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice LIGHTEN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice LIGHTEN
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with LIGHTEN
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Practice spelling
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Define the Word Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice LIGHTEN
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes LIGHTEN.
Practice LIGHTEN
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words