英语词源字典 - 在线词源网站

brighten (v.)[brighten 词源字典]: Old English *beorhtnian "to make bright" (see bright (adj.) + -en (1)). Intransitive sense, "to become brighter," attested from c. 1300. Figurative use from 1590s. Related: Brightened; brightening.[brighten etymology, brighten origin, 英语词源]
lighten (v.2): "shed light upon, illuminate, brighten," early 14c., from light (n.) -en (1). Meaning "to grow brighter" is late 14c. Of faces, expressions, etc., from 1795. Related: Lightened; lightening.
brandling: "A red earthworm with rings of a brighter colour, typically found in manure, and used as bait by anglers and in composting kitchen waste", Mid 17th century: from brand + -ling.