auf|hellen
Translation
to brighten up, to lighten, to clear up
Examples
Die Sonne hellt den Raum auf.
The sun brightens up the room.
Ihre Laune hellte sich auf.
Her mood brightened up.
Der Himmel hellt sich auf.
The sky is clearing up.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) aufhellen to brighten (sth.) up A smile brightens up the face.
sich aufhellen to clear up / to brighten up The sky is clearing up.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erhellen, aufklären; Antonyms: verdunkeln, abdunkeln
Etymology
From 'auf-' (up) and 'hellen' (to make bright, from 'hell' meaning bright). It means to brighten up.
Memory Tips
Think of the sun coming 'up' ('auf') and making everything 'hell' (bright).