lighten
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
MAKE BRIGHT 使光明
intransitive
■to become less dark 变浅，变淡•The sky had lightened and there were breaks in the clouds.天空变亮了，云也渐渐散开了。 Opposite darken
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
MAKE LESS HEAVY 减轻
lighten sb's burden/load, etc.
■to make a difficult situation or responsibility easier 减轻（某人的）负担／压力等•Getting a new assistant will lighten (= reduce) the workload considerably.配备一名新助手会极大地减轻工作压力。
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
MAKE PALE 使变淡
transitive
■to make something lighter 使变淡，使变浅•The sun always lightens my hair.在阳光下，我的头发颜色总是显得浅些。
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
MAKE LESS SERIOUS 减轻
intransitive or transitive
■to (cause to) become happier and less worried （使）心情好转，（使）高兴起来•His mood lightened after the phone call.他打完电话后情绪好了起来。 •He tried to lighten the atmosphere by telling a joke.他想透过讲笑话来缓解一下气氛。
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
Phrasal Verbs [M] lighten sth up
■to make a speech or piece of writing less serious 使…轻松活泼，使…不那么严肃•I thought I'd slip in a few jokes to lighten up the talk.我本想在讲话中加几个笑话来调剂一下气氛。
UK ['laɪ.tən] US [-tˌən] verb
Phrasal Verbs lighten up informal
■to become more relaxed and less serious 放松，缓和•Oh, lighten up! I was only joking!哦，别紧张！我只是在开玩笑！ •I wish she'd lighten up a bit.我希望她能放松一些。 |