Word
higher
Phoneticshigh·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈhaɪɝ/
UK/hˈaɪɐ/
Definitions
01greater height or level
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.
“The birds flew to a higher branch to stay safe from the cat.”
“The research team moved to a higher altitude to conduct their atmospheric experiments away from urban pollution.”
Usage
often followed by 'than' in comparative structures.
Antonyms
02increased amount
A2 · Elementary
adj. greater in number, price, or amount.
adj. representing an increased numerical value, cost, or intensity.
“The cost of living is much higher in the city than in the countryside.”
“Economists predicted that higher interest rates would eventually curb consumer spending and slow down the rate of inflation.”
03to a greater degree
A2 · Elementary
adv. to a more advanced or taller position.
adv. at or to a more elevated position or more advanced level.
“You need to jump higher if you want to reach the top shelf.”
“The kite soared higher as the wind intensified, eventually disappearing behind a thick layer of clouds.”
Usage
functions as the comparative form of the adverb 'high'.
Antonyms
04Scottish school exam
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English · Dialect
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.
“She is studying hard because she wants to pass five Highers this year.”
“Securing a place in the medicine programme requires top grades in at least five Highers, including Chemistry and Biology.”
Usage
usually capitalised as 'Higher' or 'Highers'.
Teaching tip
This is specific to the Scottish education system; students in England and Wales take A-levels instead.
Synonyms
05to increase
C2 · Proficiency Dialect
v. to make something go up or increase in amount.
v. to increase the amount, price, or level of something.
“The shop decided to higher the prices of their bread last week.”
“The landlord intended to higher the rent, but the local housing board intervened to protect the tenants.”
Usage
transitive verb; often used in specific regional dialects or older texts.
Teaching tip
In standard modern English, 'raise' or 'increase' is almost always preferred over the verb 'higher'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “higher” in context.
Idioms
Domain
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/higher