heighten C1 Topic:Cause, Change & Process US /ˈhaɪ̯.tən/ See IPA manual Freq #42234 Meanings 1 verb To make a feeling, effect, or quality stronger or more intense. The dim lighting heightened the sense of mystery in the room. 2 verb To become stronger or more intense. Tension heightened as the deadline drew near. 3 verb To make something physically higher; to raise it. The bridge is being heightened to prevent flooding. Thesaurus Synonyms 1 verb · to make a feeling, effect,... intensify 2 verb · to become stronger or more... rise 3 verb · to make something... raise ↔ Opposites lessen Word family Forms heightenedheighteningheightens Derived forms heighteneroverheightenreheighten Etymology AI details From Middle English heightenen, hyghtenen, equivalent to height + -en (verbal suffix). heightenen Middle English View etymology graph -> Topics Cause, Change & Process Actions & Processes Word Formation & Derivatives External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # heighten **Type:** Word **Level:** C1 **Part of speech:** verb **IPA (US):** /ˈhaɪ̯.tən/ **Frequency rank:** 42234 ## Meanings 1. To make a feeling, effect, or quality stronger or more intense. 2. To become stronger or more intense. 3. To make something physically higher; to raise it. ## Examples - The dim lighting heightened the sense of mystery in the room. - Tension heightened as the deadline drew near. - The bridge is being heightened to prevent flooding. ## Antonyms - lessen ## Derived Forms - heightener - overheighten - reheighten ## Roots and Affixes - Root: heightenen ## Etymology From Middle English heightenen, hyghtenen, equivalent to height + -en (verbal suffix). ## AI Etymology Heighten is from Middle English heightenen, hyghtenen, equivalent to height + -en (verbal suffix). In present-day use, it can mean to make a feeling, effect, or quality stronger or more intense, or to become stronger or more intense. Derived formations include heightener, overheighten, and reheighten. ## Topics - Cause, Change & Process - Actions & Processes - Word Formation & Derivatives markdown