Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪtən/

Definitions of heighten

noun the act of making something higher or more intense

Example Sentences

A1 The heighten of the mountain made it difficult to climb.

A2 The heighten of tensions between the two countries led to a conflict.

B1 The heighten of emotions in the room was palpable.

B2 The heighten of security measures at the airport caused delays.

C1 The heighten of sophistication in the design was evident.

C2 The heighten of competition in the market forced companies to innovate.

verb to make or become higher or more intense

Example Sentences

A1 Eating spicy food can heighten your sense of taste.

A2 Listening to music can heighten your emotions.

B1 The use of bright colors in the painting helped to heighten the overall mood.

B2 The intense training program was designed to heighten the athletes' performance.

C1 The suspenseful plot twists in the novel served to heighten the reader's anticipation.

C2 The director used clever lighting techniques to heighten the dramatic effect of the scene.

Examples of heighten in a Sentence

formal The use of bright colors can heighten the visual appeal of the room.

informal Adding more spices can heighten the flavor of the dish.

slang Watching a horror movie late at night really heightens the spookiness.

figurative The tension in the room seemed to heighten as the argument escalated.

Grammatical Forms of heighten

past tense

heightened

plural

heightens

comparative

heightener

superlative

heightenest

present tense

heighten

future tense

will heighten

perfect tense

has heightened

continuous tense

is heightening

singular

heighten

positive degree

heighten

infinitive

to heighten

gerund

heightening

participle

heightened

Origin and Evolution of heighten

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'heighten' originated from Middle English 'heyhtenen' which derived from the Old English word 'heahian' meaning to exalt or raise.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'heighten' has retained its original meaning of increasing or raising something, but has also taken on additional connotations of intensifying or making something more intense or extreme.