C1verb 2K

Heighten

UK /["/ˈhaɪtn/","/ˈhaɪtnz/","/ˈhaɪtnd/","/ˈhaɪtnɪŋ/"]/ US /["/ˈhaɪtn/","/ˈhaɪtnz/","/ˈhaɪtnd/","/ˈhaɪtnɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

if a feeling or an effect heightens, or something heightens it, it becomes stronger or increases

Listen to definition

In simple words: To make something stronger or more intense.

Examples

• Tension has heightened after the recent bomb attack.
• The campaign is intended to heighten public awareness of the disease.
• His breakdown was followed by a period of heightened activity.
• Fears of a pandemic were heightened by rising case numbers.
• The drug is said to give users a heightened sense of well-being.

Usage notes

Use 'heighten' in contexts where you want to emphasize an increase in sensation or effect. It's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts but may feel out of place in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

heighten + object

Memory hint

Think of 'heighten' as reaching a higher level of something, like elevating the volume.

Collocations

• dramatically
• greatly
• further
• serve to

Synonyms

• intensify
• amplify
• increase
• elevate

Antonyms

• lower
• reduce
• diminish

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'hasten' — meaning to speed up.
• Using 'heighten' with an incorrect noun (e.g., 'heighten a person' instead of 'heighten awareness').