lightening

(noun) descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy; the fetus is said to have dropped.

(noun) changing to a lighter color. Synonyms: whitening.

(verb) make more cheerful. Synonyms: lighten, lighten up, buoy up. Example: "The conversation lightened me up a bit."

(verb) reduce the weight on; make lighter. Synonyms: lighten. Example: "She lightened the load on the tired donkey."

(verb) become more cheerful. Synonyms: lighten, lighten up, buoy up. Example: "After a glass of wine, he lightened up a bit."

(verb) make lighter or brighter. Synonyms: brighten, lighten up, lighten. Example: "The paint will brighten the room."

(verb) become lighter. Synonyms: lighten, lighten up. Example: "The room lightened up."

(verb) alleviate or remove (pressure or stress) or make less oppressive. Synonyms: relieve, lighten. Examples: "Relieve the pressure and the stress." "Lighten the burden of caring for her elderly parents."