enhance

[ en-hans, -hahns ]

verb (used with object)

, en·hanced, en·hanc·ing.

1. to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify:

   The candlelight enhanced her beauty.

   Antonyms: lessen, diminish

2. to raise the value or price of:

   Rarity enhances the worth of old coins.

   Antonyms: reduce

enhance

/ ɪnˈhɑːns /

verb

1. tr to intensify or increase in quality, value, power, etc; improve; augment

Derived Forms

• enˈhancement, noun
• enˈhancer, noun
• enˈhancive, adjective

Other Words From

• en·hance·ment noun
• en·hanc·ive adjective
• un·en·hanced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enhance¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhauncer, apparently for Old French enhaucer, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + haucer “to raise” ( French hausser ) from the unattested Vulgar Latin altiāre (derivative of Latin altus “high,” with h-, from Germanic; haughty ), though -n- is unexplained

Word History and Origins

Origin of enhance¹

C14: from Old French enhaucier, from en- ¹+ haucier to raise, from Vulgar Latin altiāre (unattested), from Latin altus high

Synonym Study

See elevate.

Example Sentences

By blocking Inceptor, the researchers were able to refill beta cells' insulin stores, enhance insulin release, and prevent beta cell death.

From Science Daily

The study demonstrates how integrating molecular data with electrical recordings of seizures can enhance our understanding of the brain's seizure networks, potentially improving the precision of epilepsy surgeries.

From Science Daily

Collaborations are being established with the University Hospital in Brno to develop medical term resources, aiming to enhance the use of STT technology in health care.

From Science Daily

Typically, plant-based meat alternatives are made using nonanimal proteins, as well as chemical compounds that enhance the flavor, fats, coloring agents and binding agents.

From Salon

So, additives such as yeast extracts, miso, mushrooms and spices can enhance the flavor of plant-based alternatives by allowing Maillard reactions to occur.

From Salon

Related Words

• add to
• appreciate
• augment
• boost
• build up
• complement
• enlarge
• heighten
• increase
• intensify
• raise
• reinforce
• strengthen
• upgrade