verb
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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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo make something stronger, more intense, or more noticeable.
Common pairings
heighten awareness
heighten tension
heighten the risk
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- heightens
- Past tense
- heightened
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."
Related words
Rhymes for heighten
See all rhymes for heighten →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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