Enhancement: meaning, definitions and examples

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enhancement

 

[ ɪnˈhænsmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

software development

A process of improving the quality or performance of a software product. Enhancements can include new features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations.

Synonyms

improvement, refinement, upgrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enhancement

Use this word when you want to describe the process of making something better, especially in quality, value, or extent. It's often used in the context of software, technology, and features.

  • The latest software enhancement has significantly improved performance.
  • They focused on the enhancement of customer experience.
improvement

This word is suitable for general situations where something is made better. It's a broad term that can be used in various contexts, from personal development to business processes.

  • There has been a noticeable improvement in his behavior.
  • The new regulations led to an improvement in safety standards.
upgrade

Appropriate for talking about replacing something with a better version, often with new and improved features. This word is commonly used in technology, software, and hardware contexts.

  • I decided to upgrade my phone to the latest model.
  • The company plans to upgrade its computer systems next year.
refinement

Best used when talking about making small, subtle changes to improve something or make it more sophisticated. It's often used in the context of processes, methods, and designs.

  • The designer made some refinements to the original concept.
  • Through refinement, the recipe achieved perfection.

Examples of usage

  • Continuous enhancement of the software product is crucial for staying competitive in the market.
  • After the latest enhancement, the application's performance has significantly improved.
Context #2 | Noun

general

An increase or improvement in something.

Synonyms

advancement, boost, improvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enhancement

Used when adding or improving features of an object or system, often in a technical or professional setting.

  • The latest software update includes several enhancements to the user interface
  • The new lighting system provides an enhancement to the overall atmosphere of the room
improvement

Generically used to signify making something better, applicable in a wide range of scenarios, from personal skills to physical objects.

  • There has been a noticeable improvement in his language skills
  • The city invested in road improvements to ease traffic congestion
boost

Utilized when giving something a strong push or increase, often in terms of energy, confidence, or performance, and can be informal.

  • Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning gives me a boost of energy
  • The company released a new ad campaign to boost their product sales
advancement

Refers to progress or promotion, particularly in a career or academic context, implying moving forward or upward.

  • She received a promotion in recognition of her professional advancements
  • The scientist made significant advancements in cancer research

Examples of usage

  • The enhancement of our customer service has led to higher satisfaction rates.
  • She underwent a series of enhancements to her skills through training programs.
Context #3 | Noun

cosmetics

A cosmetic treatment or procedure performed to improve the appearance of a person.

Synonyms

beautification, cosmetic procedure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
enhancement

Use this term in a general or technical context when referring to improvements or upgrades without a focus on appearance. Often used in the context of software, performance, or features.

  • The software's latest enhancement includes better security features.
  • We made some enhancements to the website to improve user experience.
cosmetic procedure

This term is specifically used in the context of medical or surgical interventions aimed at enhancing a person's appearance. It implies a managed, often clinical process for aesthetic purposes.

  • She decided to undergo a cosmetic procedure to remove the scars.
  • The doctor specializes in various cosmetic procedures, including facelifts and rhinoplasty.
beautification

This word is best used when talking about improving the appearance of something, often in the context of urban development or personal grooming, focusing on aesthetic improvement.

  • The city council's beautification project involved planting more trees and flowers.
  • She spent the weekend on home beautification, painting and redecorating her living room.

Examples of usage

  • She opted for a lip enhancement to achieve fuller lips.
  • The enhancement of her features through makeup was remarkable.

Translations

Translations of the word "enhancement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melhoria

🇮🇳 सुधार

🇩🇪 Verbesserung

🇮🇩 peningkatan

🇺🇦 покращення

🇵🇱 ulepszenie

🇯🇵 改善 (kaizen)

🇫🇷 amélioration

🇪🇸 mejora

🇹🇷 iyileştirme

🇰🇷 개선 (gaeseon)

🇸🇦 تحسين (tahsīn)

🇨🇿 zlepšení

🇸🇰 zlepšenie

🇨🇳 改进 (gǎijìn)

🇸🇮 izboljšanje

🇮🇸 umbætur

🇰🇿 жақсарту

🇬🇪 გაუმჯობესება (gaumjobeseba)

🇦🇿 yaxşılaşdırma

🇲🇽 mejora

Etymology

The word 'enhancement' originated from the verb 'enhance', which came from the Old French word 'enhaucier', meaning 'to raise or lift'. The concept of improvement and making something better has been central to the usage of 'enhancement'. Over time, it has been adopted in various fields, including technology, cosmetics, and general improvements in quality or performance.

See also: enhance, enhanceable, enhanced, enhancements, enhancer, enhancing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,046 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.