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REFERENCE

higher

adj. · adv. · n. · v.
US //ˈhaɪɝ// UK //hˈaɪɐ// high·er
  1. 1 greater height or level (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    at a greater height or at a more advanced level than something else.

    positioned at a greater vertical elevation or representing a more advanced stage in a hierarchy.

    Example

    The birds flew to a higher branch to stay safe from the cat.

    Example

    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.
  2. 2 increased amount (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    greater in number, price, or amount.

    representing an increased numerical value, cost, or intensity.

    Example

    The cost of living is much higher in the city than in the countryside.

    Example

    Economists predicted that higher interest rates would eventually curb consumer spending and slow down the rate of inflation.
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  1. 3 to a greater degree (adv.)
    A2 Elementary

    to a more advanced or taller position.

    at or to a more elevated position or more advanced level.

    Example

    You need to jump higher if you want to reach the top shelf.

    Example

    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'.
  2. 4 Scottish school exam (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Dialect

    a national exam taken by students in Scotland to get into university.

    a national school-leaving qualification in Scotland, typically taken by students aged 16–18 for university entrance.

    Example

    She is studying hard because she wants to pass five Highers this year.

    Example

    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'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is specific to the Scottish education system; students in England and Wales take A-levels instead.
  3. 5 to increase (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    to make something go up or increase in amount.

    to increase the amount, price, or level of something.

    Example

    The shop decided to higher the prices of their bread last week.

    Example

    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.

    Teacher's tip

    In standard modern English, 'raise' or 'increase' is almost always preferred over the verb 'higher'.
Idioms1 entry

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