lightening

/'laitniɳ/

Thân thiện

A hairdresser applies lightening solution to a client's hair.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process or result of becoming lighter in color: "lightening" refers to making something less dark in hue or shade.
   • The descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity during late pregnancy: In obstetrics, "lightening" is the event where the fetus and uterus shift downward, often described as the baby "dropping," which can relieve pressure on the mother's diaphragm.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Color):
  • The lightening of the sky at dawn is a beautiful sight.
  • She noticed the lightening of her hair after spending the summer at the beach.
• Noun (Pregnancy):
  • The doctor explained that lightening is a sign that labor may begin soon.
  • After the lightening, she found it easier to breathe but had more pressure on her bladder.

Advanced Usage

• "Lightening of the load": A metaphorical use meaning to make a burden or responsibility less heavy or severe.
  • The new software brought a significant lightening of the administrative load for the team.
• "Lightening before the storm": A figurative phrase sometimes used to describe a temporary easing of tension before a major event or crisis.
  • The brief ceasefire felt like a lightening before the storm of the final assault.

Variants and Related Words

• Lighten (verb): To make or become lighter in weight, color, or mood.
  • He tried to lighten the mood with a joke.
• Light (noun/adjective): The natural agent that makes things visible; having a considerable amount of light.
  • The room was filled with light.

Synonyms

• Brightening: Making or becoming brighter or lighter in color.
• Palliation: The act of making a condition less severe (related to the metaphorical sense of easing a burden).
• Descent: The action of moving downward (specifically related to the obstetric term).

Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Lightening" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs. The related verb "lighten" is used.) - Lighten up: To become more relaxed or less serious. - You need to lighten up and enjoy the party. - Lighten the load: To reduce the amount of work or responsibility. - Hiring an assistant helped lighten the load.

Related Idioms

• A lightening of the spirit: A feeling of relief or happiness that makes one feel less burdened.
  • Hearing the good news brought a sudden lightening of her spirit.
• See the lightening: To recognize an early sign or warning of something.
  • In the market crash, few investors saw the lightening before the thunder.

Học thuật

Noun

1. changing to a lighter color
2. descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity that occurs late in pregnancy; the fetus is said to have dropped

Từ đồng nghĩa

• whitening