higher
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for higher, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — (Scotland) A school-leaving exam and university entrance qualification.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use higher
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “higher” mean?
The word “higher” means (Scotland) A school-leaving exam and university entrance qualification. In plain terms, the comparative form of "high" — more elevated, or, in Scotland, a specific school exam.
How do you pronounce “higher”?
“Higher” is pronounced HEYE-uh (/ˈhaɪ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “higher” in a sentence?
Here is “higher” used in a sentence: “She sat her Highers in maths and English.”
What part of speech is “higher”?
Depending on how it is used, “higher” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “higher” a common word?
“Higher” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “higher” have?
“Higher” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (Scotland) A school-leaving exam and university entrance qualification.
What is a Higher in Scotland?
A Higher is a national qualification taken by students in Scotland, usually around the age of sixteen or seventeen. It is a key school-leaving exam and the main basis on which Scottish universities offer places. Students typically sit several Highers in different subjects, much as students elsewhere in the UK take A-levels.
What is the difference between a Higher and an A-level?
Both are advanced school qualifications used for university entry, but Highers are Scottish while A-levels are used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Highers are usually taken over one year and students sit several; A-levels span two years and students take fewer. Scottish pupils may then take Advanced Highers, roughly comparable to A-levels.
What is the difference between a Higher and an Advanced Higher?
A Higher is typically taken in the fifth year of Scottish secondary school and is the standard entry qualification for university. An Advanced Higher is more demanding, taken the following year and going deeper into a subject. Advanced Highers are broadly comparable to A-levels and can earn direct entry to later university years.
How many Highers do you need for university?
Most Scottish universities ask for several Highers, commonly four or five, often achieved in a single year. Competitive courses such as medicine or law may require top grades in five subjects, sometimes with specific ones named. Requirements vary by course, so applicants should always check each university's stated entry criteria carefully.