lightening
lightening Lexical Profile
lightening Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The act or process of making or becoming paler, brighter, or less dark in color or tone.
"Gradual lightening of the hair is common after spending several weeks in the summer sun."
The act or process of reducing the weight, burden, or severity of something.
"The recent tax reform resulted in a noticeable lightening of the financial burden on small businesses."
In obstetrics, the descent of the uterus and fetus into the pelvic cavity during the final weeks of pregnancy, which relieves pressure on the upper abdomen.
"The midwife explained that the mother was experiencing lightening, a normal sign that the baby was settling into position for birth."
• verb
To make or become lighter in weight, pressure, or burden (present participle of lighten).
"By delegating routine administrative tasks, she is lightening her daily workload."
To make or become brighter, paler, or less dark in color or illumination (present participle of lighten).
"The eastern sky was slowly lightening as dawn approached over the horizon."
To make or become more cheerful, relaxed, or less serious in mood (present participle of lighten).
"His humorous remark helped by lightening the tense atmosphere in the conference room."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'lightening' (making something lighter in weight or color, or the descent of a fetus into the pelvis) with the homophone 'lightning' (an electrical discharge in the atmosphere during a storm).
• Rhymes for lightening
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English as the verbal noun and present participle of 'lighten', derived from Old English 'leoht' (bright, radiant) and 'liht' (of little weight).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.