# high

/ˈhaɪ/ (US) · /hˈaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/high
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

measuring a long distance from the bottom to the top. You use this to describe mountains, buildings, or things that are far above the ground.

For teachers: extending a great distance upward; situated at a significant height above a baseline or sea level.

## Examples

- The mountain is very high and covered in snow.
- The hikers reached a high point on the trail that offered a clear view of the valley below.
- Architects designed the skyscraper with a reinforced core to withstand the high winds that occur at such extreme altitudes.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is very high" but "He is very tall" — Use 'tall' for the height of people, trees, or narrow buildings; use 'high' for things that are far off the ground or have great vertical extent like mountains.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb like 'be'.

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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.