higher
- 01 A2 Elementary
adj.at a greater height or at a more advanced level than something else.
adj.positioned at a greater vertical elevation or representing a more advanced stage in a hierarchy.
Simple“The birds flew to a higher branch to stay safe from the cat.”
In context“The research team moved to a higher altitude to conduct their atmospheric experiments away from urban pollution.”
Usageoften followed by 'than' in comparative structures.
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.greater in number, price, or amount.
adj.representing an increased numerical value, cost, or intensity.
Simple“The cost of living is much higher in the city than in the countryside.”
In context“Economists predicted that higher interest rates would eventually curb consumer spending and slow down the rate of inflation.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
adv.to a more advanced or taller position.
adv.at or to a more elevated position or more advanced level.
Simple“You need to jump higher if you want to reach the top shelf.”
In context“The kite soared higher as the wind intensified, eventually disappearing behind a thick layer of clouds.”
Usagefunctions as the comparative form of the adverb 'high'.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a national exam taken by students in Scotland to get into university.
n.a national school-leaving qualification in Scotland, typically taken by students aged 16–18 for university entrance.
Simple“She is studying hard because she wants to pass five Highers this year.”
In context“Securing a place in the medicine programme requires top grades in at least five Highers, including Chemistry and Biology.”
Usageusually capitalised as 'Higher' or 'Highers'.
Teacher's tipThis is specific to the Scottish education system; students in England and Wales take A-levels instead.
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to make something go up or increase in amount.
v.to increase the amount, price, or level of something.
Simple“The shop decided to higher the prices of their bread last week.”
In context“The landlord intended to higher the rent, but the local housing board intervened to protect the tenants.”
Usagetransitive verb; often used in specific regional dialects or older texts.
Teacher's tipIn standard modern English, 'raise' or 'increase' is almost always preferred over the verb 'higher'.
Usage higher education · higher risk · higher ground