English Reference
Verb

enrich

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US /ɛnˈɹɪtʃ/ UK /ɛnɹˈɪtʃ/ en·rich UK spelling enriched, enriches Chemistry Physics

v.to improve the quality of something by adding more of what it needs. You can use this for food, soil, or even your own mind and life.

v.to improve or enhance the quality, value, or power of something by adding specific components. In a technical context, it refers to increasing the proportion of a particular isotope or ingredient within a substance.


SIMPLE

Reading books can enrich your mind and your vocabulary.

CONTEXTUAL

Farmers often add compost to the soil to enrich it with the nutrients needed for a healthy harvest.

COMPLEX

The curriculum is designed to enrich the students' educational experience by integrating practical laboratory work with theoretical physics and advanced mathematics.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In technical contexts, it is frequently used in the passive voice.

Many Australians have experienced Thailand’s warmth and hospitality through travel, while the Thai-Australian community continues to enrich our nation and strengthen the enduring ties between our countries through business and culture.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

Workers at a Louisiana community center talk about how helping children has enriched their lives.

NPR· 14 Aug 2026

From Middle English enrichen, from Anglo-Norman enrichir and Old French enrichier. By surface analysis, en- + rich.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French enrichier
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated