enhance

[en-hans, -hahns]

verb (used with object)

enhanced, enhancing 

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

Other Word Forms

• enhancement noun
• enhancive adjective
• unenhanced adjective
• enhancer noun

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

Having shown strong early results, the researchers are now focused on understanding how light and heat interact in the process and on testing other materials that might enhance the treatment.

Read more on Science Daily

"Upgrades will enhance the efficiency of this infrastructure, to reduce passenger delays, lower emissions per flight, and prepare for potential future growth."

Read more on BBC

The camera sends an infrared beam of video images to the implant at the back of the eye, which sends them on to a small pocket processor to be enhanced and made clearer.

Read more on BBC

Researchers found that these forms of exercise were the most effective for easing pain, improving movement, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Read more on Science Daily

“The sprawling brick structure exudes timeless elegance, enhanced by reclaimed features that pay homage to classic craftsmanship while embracing modern sophistication.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does enhance mean?

To enhance is to raise to a higher degree, such as to magnify or intensify something. To enhance a photo, for example, is to improve the colors, lighting, or other characteristics in order to improve the photo.Generally speaking, enhancing somehow makes something better. Something that is enhanced has its intensity, value, or size increased.To enhance is also to increase the value or price of something. A tie might not be very valued just for being a tie, for example. But if that tie was worn by someone famous, the tie’s value is enhanced because that celebrity wore it.Example: Salt is commonly added to dishes to enhance their flavor.