# enhance

/ɛnˈhæns/ (US) · /ɛnhˈɑːns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enhance
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to improve or augment

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to improve the quality, value, or power of something.

For teachers: to increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- 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'.

### 2. to add features

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

to make something better by adding more details or special features.

For teachers: to improve a product or system by adding features or refining existing components.

- 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.

### 3. medical imaging

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

when an organ or tissue shows up more clearly on a medical scan after using a special dye.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You can use salt to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- The company plans to enhance its mobile app by adding several new security features next month.
- The researchers argued that while the new policy might enhance short-term productivity, it could potentially undermine long-term employee morale if not implemented with care.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.