Heighten
['haɪt(ə)n] or ['haɪtn]
Definition
(verb.) make more extreme; raise in quantity, degree, or intensity; 'heightened interest'.
(verb.) become more extreme; 'The tension heightened'.
(verb.) increase the height of; 'The athletes kept jumping over the steadily heightened bars'.
Editor: Roxanne--From WordNet
Definition
(v. t.) To make high; to raise higher; to elevate.
(v. t.) To carry forward; to advance; to increase; to augment; to aggravate; to intensify; to render more conspicuous; -- used of things, good or bad; as, to heighten beauty; to heighten a flavor or a tint.
Checked by Irving
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. [1]. Exalt, elevate, raise.[2]. Increase, enhance, augment.[3]. Intensify, aggravate.
Checker: Terrance
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Exalt, increase, enhance, intensify, color, vivify, aggravate, raise,exaggerate, lift_up, amplify
ANT:Lower, depress, diminish, deteriorate, abase, temper, tone, extenuate, modify,quality
Typed by Chauncey
Examples
- Accordingly, a survey of the sciences tends to increase mutual respect, and to heighten the humanitarian sentiment. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The sight of your dear sister, however, was really dreadful; and, to heighten the matter, I found her alone. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
- You needn't brag about it,' returned Fledgeby, disappointed in his desire to heighten the contrast between his bed and the streets. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- I perceive, sir, said Pitt with a heightened voice, that your people will cut down the timber. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- You take an eager interest in that gentleman's concerns, said Darcy, in a less tranquil tone, and with a heightened colour. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- Sir James interpreted the heightened color in the way most gratifying to himself, and thought he never saw Miss Brooke looking so handsome. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- But he was now married; and she condemned her heart for the lurking flattery, which so much heightened the pain of the intelligence. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
- The sensation is heightened as the tidings spread from mouth to mouth that the beadle is on the ground and has gone in. Charles Dickens. Bleak House.
- This portable Diorama can be most conveniently shown by lamplight, the flame of an argand lamp, the wick of which can be heightened and lowered, being best adapted for the purpose. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- Emma's colour was heightened by this unjust praise; and with a smile, and shake of the head, which spoke much, she looked at Mr. Knightley. Jane Austen. Emma.
- But this is the usual way of heightening alarm, where there is nothing to be alarmed at in reality. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
- The heightening colour spread to her forehead and her neck, and the nervous fingers suddenly clasped themselves fast round the edge of the book. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
Typed by Avery