heighten

CEFRC1

/ˈhaɪ̯.tən/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To increase the strength, amount, or effect of something.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To advance, increase, augment, make larger, more intense, stronger etc.

Examples

  • Humanitarian organizations fear the ongoing impasse and the hostile rhetoric could heighten local xenophobia.

  • The dramatic music helped to heighten the tension.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2

Also pronounced

  • [ˈhaɪ̯tn̩]
  • [ˈhaɪ̯ʔn̩]

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meaning
  1. To make high; to raise higher; to elevate.

More examples

In context
  • to heighten a flavor or a tint

  • to heighten awareness

  • to heighten beauty

Quick test

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Nearby

Origin

verb

From Middle English heightenen, hyghtenen, equivalent to height + -en (verbal suffix).