Heighten Meaning
/ˈhaɪ̯.tən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo make high; to raise higher; to elevate.
verbTo advance, increase, augment, make larger, more intense, stronger etc.
Sentence Examples
Humanitarian organizations fear the ongoing impasse and the hostile rhetoric could heighten local xenophobia.
The dramatic music helped to heighten the tension.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The loud noise will ____ your fear during the horror movie.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The loud music and bright lights were designed to ____ the excitement of the crowd at the concert.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English heightenen, hyghtenen, equivalent to height + -en (verbal suffix).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Black Bridge, near Machynlleth, is being heightened by one metre in a £3.6 million project to reduce delays caused by flooding."
— 2021 June 2, “Network News: Cambrian Line bridge is raised”, in RAIL, number 932, page 23:
"If Mr Brown chooses, he could raise his estimate of the economy's "trend" rate of growth in the coming years and so heighten his hopes of tax revenues."
— 2006 December 6, Ashley Seager, “Employment rise gives chancellor a boost”, in The Guardian:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The loud noise will ____ your fear during the horror movie.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The loud music and bright lights were designed to ____ the excitement of the crowd at the concert.