higher

British  

/ ˈhaɪə /

adjective

1. the comparative of high

---

noun

1. 1. the advanced level of the Scottish Certificate of Education

   2. ( as modifier )

      Higher Latin

2. a pass in a particular subject at Higher level

   she has four Highers

Explanation

When something is described as higher, it's more advanced, difficult, or complex. Higher education is what you learn in college or graduate school, and it's more complicated than high school. You're most likely to see the adjective higher being used to specify a type of education or schooling. Higher finance is likewise an area of banking or investing that's extremely complex because it involves enormous amounts of money. In Scotland, a Higher is a specific, high-level graduation certificate that qualifies students to enter a university.

Example Sentences

Higher nitrate intake from vegetables was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while greater exposure to nitrate and nitrite from animal products, processed meats, and drinking water was linked to a higher risk.

From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026

Online learning is already used for some subjects at Advanced Higher level to share specialist teachers.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Property insurers had the best underwriting gains of the past decade in 2024 and 2025, according to S&P. Higher deductibles and tighter claims criteria are leading to fewer pay outs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Higher tariffs have weighed on inflation in recent months, particularly for goods prices.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Higher and higher he climbed, through the clouds and into the night sky, and still the tower rose before him.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin