# heights

/ˈhaɪts/ (US) · /hˈaɪts/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. high places

noun · CEFR B1

high places or a great distance above the ground.

For teachers: high altitudes or elevated positions; often used to describe the physical experience of being far above sea level.

- The view from the heights of the mountain was absolutely breathtaking.
- From the dizzying heights of the skyscraper's observation deck, the cars below looked like tiny, colourful insects crawling through a concrete maze.

### 2. fear of being high up

noun · CEFR B1

the feeling of being afraid when you are in a high place.

For teachers: a state of fear or vertigo triggered by being at a significant altitude; commonly used with the verb 'have'.

- I don't like rock climbing because I have a terrible fear of heights.
- Despite her lifelong fear of heights, she agreed to take the cable car to the summit to support her friends.

Usage: Usually used without an article when referring to the phobia.

### 3. extreme levels

noun · CEFR B2

the highest or most extreme part of a feeling or a period of time.

For teachers: the point of greatest intensity or the culmination of a particular state or activity.

- The party reached new heights of excitement when the band started playing.
- The tension between the two nations reached new heights following the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations in late autumn.

### 4. hilly neighbourhood

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a name for a part of a city that is built on a hill.

For teachers: a topographical designation for a residential area or district situated on elevated ground.

- They moved to a quiet apartment in Washington Heights last year.
- The historic district, known locally as the Heights, offers panoramic views of the river and the industrial valley below.

Usage: Often appears as a proper noun in city district names.

## Examples

- I am afraid of heights and hate flying.
- The view from the mountain heights was breathtaking, showing the entire valley stretched out below us.
- While some climbers thrive on the adrenaline of scaling vertical rock faces, others find that even moderate heights trigger a physical sense of vertigo that prevents further progress.

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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.