heighten

C1 Topic:Actions & Processes

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.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

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

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

heightenen Middle English

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Actions & Processes Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# 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
- Actions & Processes
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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