High: meaning, definitions and examples

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high

[haɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a positive way

Of great vertical extent. Of great significance or importance. Of great intensity or extreme degree.

Synonyms

elevated, important, intense, tall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
high	Used to describe something that is a large distance above the ground, or to describe something with a large amount, degree, or rank. The mountains in the region are very high. He has a high level of expertise.
tall	Used to describe something or someone with greater than average height, particularly in a physical sense. She is tall and athletic. The skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in the city.
elevated	Often used in formal contexts to describe something raised to a higher position or level, both physically and metaphorically. It can also indicate something that is more dignified or important. The doctor said she had an elevated blood pressure. He gave an elevated speech during the ceremony.
important	Used to describe something of great significance, value, or consequence. It is often used to highlight the weight or impact of something. It's important to eat a balanced diet. She has an important meeting with her boss tomorrow.
intense	Used to describe something that is very strong, forceful, or extreme in degree. It is often associated with emotions, colors, experiences, or actions. The heat during the summer was intense. They shared an intense conversation about the future.

Examples of usage

The view from the top of the mountain was breathtakingly high.
She had high hopes for her future career.
The competition reached a high level of intensity.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

being at or having a great or relatively great elevation or upward extension

Extending or reaching upward more than other things of the same kind. Situated above the ground or some base; elevated.

Synonyms

above, aloft, elevated, upward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
high	Typically used to describe something that is positioned at a significant distance above the ground or a base level. The airplane was flying high in the sky. He lives in a high building with great views.
upward	Indicates a movement or direction from a lower point to a higher one. Smoke rose upward from the chimney. The balloon drifted slowly upward.
elevated	Often used to describe something raised to a higher position or level, both literally and metaphorically. The train travels on an elevated track. She holds an elevated position at the company.
above	Used to indicate a position higher than something else, often in a relative sense. The sun rose above the horizon. Please place the picture above the mantel.
aloft	Commonly used in more poetic or formal language to indicate something being up in the air or overhead. The flag fluttered aloft in the breeze. He held the torch aloft, guiding the others.

Examples of usage

The airplane flew at a high altitude.
The high shelf was out of reach for the children.
He lived in a high-rise apartment building.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

a point or level that is the average amount or number

A high point or level; a maximum or peak. A point or level of greatest amount, extent, or intensity.

Synonyms

maximum, peak, summit, zenith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
high	Use this word to refer to something that is elevated in height or level. It can be both literal and metaphorical. The mountains are very high She scored high marks on her exam
peak	Refers to the highest point in a physical or metaphorical sense. Often used when talking about mountains, performance levels, or career achievements. She reached the peak of Mount Everest The athlete is at the peak of his career
maximum	This word describes the greatest possible amount, level, or degree of something. The maximum capacity of the room is 100 people He reached the maximum speed on his bike
summit	Typically used to describe the highest point of a mountain; can also refer to high-level meetings between leaders. The climbers finally reached the summit of the mountain The world leaders met at the economic summit
zenith	Used to describe the highest or most successful point in someone's life or career. Often has a more formal or poetic tone. Her career reached its zenith in the 1990s At the zenith of his power, he controlled the entire region

Examples of usage

The stock market reached a new high today.
She achieved a new high in her career.
The high of the concert was the performance of the main singer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'high' comes from the Old English 'hīg,' which meant tall or elevated.
Similar words in other languages show how many cultures describe elevation, like the German 'hoch' and the Dutch 'hoog.'

Science

In physics, high can refer to energy levels, such as when an object is raised into the air, gaining gravitational potential energy.
The atmosphere is divided into layers, with each layer considered 'high' or 'low' based on its altitude above ground.

Pop Culture

In music, 'high' often describes pitched sounds or vocals, like the higher notes in a song that can evoke emotions.
The phrase 'high spirits' is commonly used to indicate happiness or enthusiasm, showing how the word is connected to positive feelings.

Psychology

People often associate 'high' with positive states, such as excitement or joy, while 'low' can relate to sadness and negativity.
The concept of 'high self-esteem' refers to having a positive view of oneself, indicating a state of mental elevation.

Literature

Many poets describe nature in 'high' terms, often using the word to emphasize beauty or majesty, such as 'high mountains' or 'high skies.'
Classical literature often features characters who embark on 'high' adventures, suggesting journeys that are grand or noble in scale.

Translations

Translations of the word "high" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alto

🇮🇳 उच्च

🇩🇪 hoch

🇮🇩 tinggi

🇺🇦 високий

🇵🇱 wysoki

🇯🇵 高い (たかい)

🇫🇷 haut

🇪🇸 alto

🇹🇷 yüksek

🇰🇷 높은 (nopeun)

🇸🇦 عالي

🇨🇿 vysoký

🇸🇰 vysoký

🇨🇳 高 (gāo)

🇸🇮 visok

🇮🇸 hár

🇰🇿 биік

🇬🇪 მაღალი

🇦🇿 yüksək

🇲🇽 alto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #114, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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111 present
112 back
113 place
114 high
115 might
116 while
117 public
...