verb C1 Advanced

heighten

HEYE-tuhn

Heighten (verb) means to increase the intensity, degree, or effect of something. Example: “The dim lighting heightened the sense of suspense.”

verb

To increase the intensity, degree, or effect of something.

"The dim lighting heightened the sense of suspense."

"Rising prices have heightened concerns about inflation."

How to use heighten

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something stronger, more intense, or more noticeable.

Common pairings

heighten awareness heighten tension heighten the risk

Word forms

heightened past tense, heightens singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dim lighting _____ the sense of suspense.

Etymology

Formed from "height" plus the verb-making ending "-en," the same pattern seen in "sharpen" or "widen."

Synonyms

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rise raise compound enhance intensify deepen sharpen

Antonyms

lessen

Related words

higher stand increase kill build grow rise produce

Rhymes for heighten

tighten lighten frighten brighten enlighten straighten

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Frequently asked questions

What does “heighten” mean?

The word “heighten” means to increase the intensity, degree, or effect of something. In plain terms, to make something stronger, more intense, or more noticeable.

How do you pronounce “heighten”?

“Heighten” is pronounced HEYE-tuhn (/ˈhaɪ̯.tən/ in IPA).

How do you use “heighten” in a sentence?

Here is “heighten” used in a sentence: “The dim lighting heightened the sense of suspense.”

What is the opposite of “heighten”?

The opposite of “heighten” — its antonyms — is lessen.

What part of speech is “heighten”?

“Heighten” is a verb.

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