Word
enhance
Phoneticsen·hance, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈhæns/
UK/ɛnhˈɑːns/
Definitions
01to improve or augment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to improve the quality, value, or power of something.
v. to increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.
日本語:高める※
“The new software will enhance the speed of your computer.”
“The researchers hope that the new irrigation techniques will significantly enhance crop yields in arid regions without depleting local water tables.”
Usage
Often used with abstract nouns like 'performance', 'reputation', 'value', or 'experience'.
02to add features
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
v. to make something better by adding more details or special features.
v. to improve a product or system by adding features or refining existing components.
日本語:充実する※
“You can use this app to enhance your photos with filters.”
“The latest firmware update was designed to enhance the security protocols of the network while maintaining high data throughput for users.”
Usage
Commonly used in photography and software development contexts.
03medical imaging
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Technical · Formal
v. when an organ or tissue shows up more clearly on a medical scan after using a special dye.
v. to take up contrast agent during a medical imaging procedure, making specific tissues or lesions more visible.
“The doctor noted that the tumor did not enhance on the MRI scan.”
“The radiologist observed that the lesion failed to enhance following the administration of intravenous contrast, suggesting a benign pathology.”
Usage
In this specific medical sense, the verb can be used intransitively.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “enhance” in context.
Verb
01. enhance ability
“This training program is designed to enhance your ability to lead a team.”
verb + noun
02. enhance capacity
“The factory added new machinery to enhance its production capacity.”
verb + noun
03. enhance effectiveness
“Adding these ingredients will enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning solution.”
verb + noun
04. enhance image
“The company launched a PR campaign to enhance its public image.”
verb + noun
05. enhance knowledge
“Reading widely is a great way to enhance your knowledge of different cultures.”
verb + noun
06. enhance performance
“Athletes often look for legal ways to enhance their performance during competitions.”
verb + noun
07. enhance power
“The constitutional amendment was intended to enhance the power of the local government.”
verb + noun
08. enhance skill
“Practicing every day will help you enhance your skill at playing the piano.”
verb + noun
09. enhance value
“Renovating the kitchen can significantly enhance the value of your home.”
verb + noun
Adverb
10. considerably enhance
“The new software will considerably enhance the speed of our data processing.”
adv + verb
11. greatly enhance
“The new lighting will greatly enhance the atmosphere of the room.”
adv + verb
12. greatly stability enhance
Real-World Examples
“Animal proteins are generally more digestible than plant proteins , and cooking generally enhances protein digestibility .” “A well-selected book, in particular, has the ability to enhance a child’s reading pleasure and reading ability, allowing them to see and feel the world with fresh insight.” Etymology
From Middle English enhauncen, anhaunsen, from Anglo-Norman anhauncer (“enhance, raise”), from Vulgar Latin *inaltiāre (“raise”), derived from Latin in + altus (“high”). The /h/ in Old French was taken from haut (“high”), where it resulted from Frankish influence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0