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
Comes from 'auf-' (up) and 'hellen' (to make bright, derived from 'hell', bright). It means to brighten or clear up.
Memory Tips
Picture opening ('auf') the blinds to let the 'hell' (bright) light in.