# higher

/ˈhaɪɝ/ (US) · /hˈaɪɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. greater height or level

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. increased amount

adjective · CEFR A2

greater in number, price, or amount.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to a greater degree

adverb · CEFR A2

to a more advanced or taller position.

For teachers: 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'.

### 4. Scottish school exam

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Dialect

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to increase

verb · CEFR C2 · Dialect

to make something go up or increase in amount.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- She wants to pursue higher education after she finishes school.
- The university offers higher degrees for students who have already completed their initial training.
- While the entry-level positions are filled, the company is still looking for candidates with higher qualifications to lead the research department.

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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.