become brighter or happier
She really brightened up when she saw her friends at the party.
brighten up — 2 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb2 meanings
brighten upsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
make brighter or happier
A bunch of flowers can really brighten up a room.
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Meanings in detail
1. become brighter or happier
B1neutralspoken
to start looking or feeling happier, or to become lighter and sunnier (about the weather).
She really brightened up when she saw her friends at the party.
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Sign in to unlock2. make brighter or happier
B2neutralboth
to make something or someone look or feel happier, or to make a place lighter and more cheerful.
A bunch of flowers can really brighten up a room.
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