high
/haɪ/- 1.
At a large distance above the ground or above a usual level. It can also mean taller than normal or placed near the top.
- The kite is flying high.
- Mountains are very high.
- Put the book on the high shelf.
- 2.
Greater than usual in amount, level, or degree. It often describes prices, temperatures, numbers, or pressure.
- The rent is too high.
- Today’s temperature is high.
- The risk is high.
- 3.
Important, advanced, or impressive in quality. It is common in formal and academic English.
- He holds a high position.
- This is a high standard.
- The school has high expectations.
A high point, level, or place. It can also mean the feeling of excitement after drugs, success, or strong pleasure.
- We reached the high of the hill.
- The market hit a new high.
- She felt a real high after the win.
Adinary Nuance
High is broader than tall and big. Use tall for people, trees, and buildings; use high for levels, prices, sounds, and places above the ground. For emotions or standards, high is more natural than tall or big. In academic writing, it often appears in phrases like high level, high risk, and high quality.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cao
- Spanish
- alto
- Chinese
- 高
- Japanese
- 高い
- Korean
- 높은
Etymology
High comes from Old English hēah, meaning 'tall' or 'raised'. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is high used for people or things?
- It is usually used for things, levels, and places. For people, **tall** is more common.
- What is the difference between high and tall?
- **Tall** describes height of people or objects. **High** often describes position, level, price, or degree.
- Is high formal or informal?
- It is common in both everyday and formal English. Many academic phrases use it.
- What does high mean in 'high risk'?
- It means the risk is large or serious. The chance of harm is greater than normal.