English Reference

Word

enrich

Phoneticsen·rich, stress on the second syllable

US/ɛnˈɹɪtʃ/

UK/ɛnɹˈɪtʃ/

Definition

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.

Examples

“Reading books can enrich your mind and your vocabulary.”

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

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

Examples

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.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “enrich” in context.

Verb

01. enrich the curriculum

“The school aims to enrich the curriculum by offering advanced coding and robotics classes.”

verb + noun

02. enrich the experience

“Adding interactive elements to the museum tour will greatly enrich the experience for visitors.”

verb + noun

03. enrich the lives

“Volunteering at the shelter has enriched the lives of many local teenagers.”

verb + noun

04. enrich the soil

“Farmers often plant clover to naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen.”

verb + noun

Noun

05. opportunity to enrich

“The internship provides a unique opportunity to enrich your professional network.”

noun + infinitive

06. way to enrich

“Reading diverse literature is an excellent way to enrich your vocabulary.”

noun + infinitive

Adverb

07. greatly enrich

“Studying abroad will greatly enrich your understanding of different cultures.”

adv + verb

08. mutually enrich

“The two research teams hope to mutually enrich their findings through a collaborative workshop.”

adv + verb

Usage

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

Real-World Examples

“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

Etymology

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.

Word family

VERB

enrich(C1)

Domains

ChemistryPhysics

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference