heightens
|height-ens|
B2
/ˈhaɪtənz/
(heighten)
increase intensity
Etymology
Etymology Information
'heighten' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'heighte,' where 'heigh' meant 'high.'
Historical Evolution
'heighte' transformed into the modern English word 'heighten' through the addition of the suffix '-en' to form a verb.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make high,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to increase intensity or degree.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to increase the intensity, degree, or amount of something.
The new policy heightens the security measures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to make something more acute or sharpened.
The suspense in the movie heightens as the plot unfolds.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/04/28 03:30