leaven

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leav|en /l'evən/ (leavens leavening leavened)
[VERB] be V-ed by/with n, V n by/with n, also V n
If a situation or activity is leavened by or with something, it is made more interesting or cheerful.
His mood of deep pessimism cannot have been leavened by his mode of transport-a black cab...
He found congenial officers who knew how to leaven war's rigours with riotous enjoyment.

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