LIGHTEN UP Meaning and
Definition
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"Lighten up" is a common idiomatic expression used in colloquial English to encourage someone to adopt a more relaxed or less serious attitude towards a particular situation. It suggests the need for a person to let go of their tension, stress, or overly serious demeanor and to approach things with a more open and lighthearted mindset.
This expression generally implies a request for someone to ease their intensity, pessimism, or rigidity in order to create a more positive and enjoyable atmosphere. It encourages individuals who may be excessively serious or worried to see the lighter side of things, to find amusement or humor in the situation, and to not take everything too seriously. By encouraging someone to "lighten up," the speaker is typically suggesting that it is important to embrace a more carefree, easygoing, and flexible attitude.
Furthermore, "lighten up" can also be used to advise someone to reduce their criticism, judgment, or seriousness about the behavior or actions of others. It encourages individuals to be more tolerant, accepting, and forgiving, allowing them to let go of their rigid expectations and to find peace and contentment in accepting others as they are.
In summary, the expression "lighten up" advises individuals to adopt a more relaxed, humorous, and accepting attitude, emphasizing that taking things too seriously can be counterproductive to enjoying life and maintaining positive relationships.
Common Misspellings for LIGHTEN UP
- kighten up
- pighten up
- oighten up
- lughten up
- ljghten up
- lkghten up
- loghten up
- l9ghten up
- l8ghten up
- lifhten up
- livhten up
- libhten up
- lihhten up
- liyhten up
- lithten up
- liggten up
- ligbten up
- lignten up
- ligjten up
- lightenup
Etymology of LIGHTEN UP
The phrase "lighten up" consists of two parts: "lighten" and "up".
The word "lighten" originated from the Old English word "lihtan", which means "to relieve" or "to make less heavy". Over time, it evolved to encompass the meaning of becoming less serious or intense. The term may also be related to the Old Norse word "líata", meaning "to alleviate" or "make lighter".
The word "up" functions as an adverbial particle, often attached to verbs to convey various meanings, such as intensification or completion. In the case of "lighten up", "up" emphasizes the action of lightening, adding a sense of encouragement or urging someone to change their mood or attitude.
Idioms with the word LIGHTEN UP
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lighten up (on sm or sth)
To "lighten up (on someone or something)" means to become less strict, less serious, or less intense in one's behavior or expectations towards someone or something. It implies a need to relax, be less demanding, or take a less rigid approach.
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lighten up (on someone or something)
The idiom "lighten up (on someone or something)" means to become less strict, demanding, or serious towards a person or situation. It suggests that the person should relax, have a more lenient approach, or reduce the intensity of their behavior or attitude.
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lighten up
To relax, be less serious, or have a more carefree attitude.
Similar spelling words for LIGHTEN UP
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