high
Adjective
UK/haɪ/US/haɪ/
Of great vertical extent; above average in height or level.
Example Sentences
The mountain is extremely high.
The bird flew high in the sky.
That building is high enough to overshadow the entire city block.
The new roller coaster is impressively high, giving riders an intense view of the park.
She found the shelf too high to reach without a ladder.
The curtains were hung so high that they brushed the ceiling.
Standing on the edge of the high cliff, he felt both exhilarated and slightly terrified by the vast drop below.
Even from a great distance, the high spires of the ancient cathedral dominated the skyline and served as a navigational landmark for travelers.
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Adverb
UK/haɪ/US/haɪ/
At or to a considerable or specified height.
Example Sentences
The plane soared high above the clouds.
Prices tend to go high during the holiday season.
She tossed the ball high into the air.
The kite was flying high in the strong wind.
The note she sang was so high it nearly shattered glass.
He lifted the banner high for everyone to see.
The fireworks exploded high above, creating a dazzling display of color and sound that lit up the entire stadium.
Because the stage was set so high, even the people at the back of the audience had a clear view of the performers and felt included in the show.
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Noun
UK/haɪ/US/haɪ/
An elevated position, level, or feeling; a high point or state.
Example Sentences
The stock market reached a new high last week.
She experienced a natural high after completing the marathon.
They recorded the day's high at noon when the temperature peaked.
This year's sales figures reached an all-time high for the company.
Her career had many highs and lows, but she never gave up.
After so much hard work, winning the championship felt like a true high.
The band felt an incredible high when their new single soared to the top of the charts, solidifying their status as international superstars.
Although he had experienced many accomplishments in his life, he considered the emotional high of reuniting with long-lost family members to be his most treasured moment.
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How to Use
Describes something at an elevated or above-normal level or position.“High” is an adjective that can describe position, state, intensity, or amount. You might talk about a “high ceiling,” which means the ceiling is physically far above the floor. In describing abstract concepts, “high hopes” indicates strong optimism, while “high expectations” points to demands or standards that surpass the average. When referencing measurements, “high temperature” or “high score” compare the reading or count to a usual baseline or other reference points. In social or professional contexts, “high honor” or “high rank” implies a level of prestige above the norm. In writing and speech, “high” can be used to add emphasis or highlight the intensity of the noun it modifies. You might say “high praise” to convey strong commendation, or “high priority” to indicate urgency. Similarly, “high demand” suggests great need or desire for something.Furthermore, “high” can serve figuratively, as in “high spirits,” to describe someone’s enthusiastic or joyful mood. When used carefully, it provides clarity by indicating an upper level, heightened intensity, or increased measure. Just be mindful of context, as certain uses might imply judgment or subjectivity—for instance, “high price” could be unfavorable to some but acceptable to others. Overall, “high” is a versatile term for describing anything from physical elevations to emotional intensities, adding a sense of prominence, elevation, or intensity to your statements.
Alternatives
There are many synonyms and related terms you can use in place of “high,” each suited to specific contexts. For physical elevations, words like “tall,” “lofty,” or “elevated” might work. These imply greater-than-usual height without always suggesting excess. If you need to underscore intensity in everyday language, “intense,” “strong,” or “extreme” may be useful. They highlight the heightened nature of a feeling, condition, or situation without explicitly referencing a physical vertical measure. Additionally, “raised,” “exalted,” or “prominent” can be substituted when you want to describe figurative or symbolic elevation, such as a person’s rank or status. For more neutral usage, terms like “above average” or “beyond standard” can still convey the idea of surpassing a norm, although these phrases might sound more formal or technical. If you seek variety in your writing, consider “considerable,” “substantial,” or “significant” to denote importance or magnitude. Ultimately, your choice among these alternatives depends on the context and tone—whether you are writing in a professional setting, creative piece, or casual chat. Selecting the right synonym enriches your language and ensures precision in both formal and informal contexts.
Writing
When writing with the adjective “high,” clarity and precision are vital. First, identify whether you want to highlight physical elevation, intensity, or the figurative importance of a subject. Be deliberate: if you mean literal height, specify details like measurements or reference points (e.g., “atop a high cliff overlooking the valley”). This helps readers form a clear mental image. For non-physical usage, such as “high standards” or “high tension,” clarify what “high” entails—perhaps elaborate on why the expectations or stakes are elevated. Varying your vocabulary is also valuable. Repetitive use of “high” may make your writing sound monotonous, so sprinkle in synonyms like “lofty,” “elevated,” or “intense” where appropriate. Doing so not only reduces repetition but also offers subtle shades of meaning. Lastly, remain mindful of the tone and register. In formal or academic work, a phrase like “significantly above the norm” may be more fitting than simply saying “high.” This measured approach ensures your writing remains engaging, articulate, and nuanced.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “high” is a simple, go-to word for describing anything elevated, intense, or exceeding usual levels. For instance, you might say, “The grocery prices are really high right now” to point out that things are more expensive than usual. If you’re describing something fun or optimistic, you could mention, “I’m in high spirits,” meaning you’re feeling great or cheerful. “High hopes” usually signals that you’re excited or expect a positive outcome. Using “high” in casual dialogue is straightforward, but be aware that it can have negative connotations in certain contexts—saying a “high bill” might mean frustration about expenses, while “high stress” signals something undesirable. If you want to avoid sounding repetitive, you can swap in synonyms like “tall,” “big,” or “large” where appropriate. Ultimately, “high” is perfect for quick, everyday remarks when you need to express something above the usual or average level. It’s direct, easy to understand, and widely used.
Etymology
The word “high” can be traced back to Old English, spelled “hēah,” meaning lofty or tall. This, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic root *hauhaz, which held similar meanings of elevated position or measure. Over time, the concept of “high” expanded beyond physical dimensions to encompass figurative ideas, including moral or social elevation, as in “high rank” or “high standards.” Historically, languages across the Germanic family—such as Dutch (hoog), German (hoch), and the Scandinavian tongues—share cognates that resemble or mirror “hēah.” Interestingly, the word’s association with prominence extends into various cultural references, from the “High Middle Ages” in European history (indicating a peak era) to the “high seas,” describing open ocean waters far from land. Its versatile meaning has persisted through centuries, underscoring how people have consistently needed a term to convey an upper level or extraordinary status. Whether describing towering mountains or esteemed achievements, “high” has remained a cornerstone adjective for communicating elevation, excellence, or intensity.