enhance

American  

[en-hans, -hahns] / ɛnˈhæns, -ˈhɑns /

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

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enhance British  

/ ɪnˈhɑːns /

verb

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

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See elevate.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of enhance

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; see haughty), though -n- is unexplained

Explanation

Many people use the expression "enhance your chance" to point out ways to increase your chances of winning or earning a contest or prize. When you enhance something, you heighten it or make it better. "Hance" is not a word, but the addition of "en-" does something to enhance it and improve its sound. You can enhance the size of something, too, by altering it or raising it, which is what the word original meant (the "hance" part came via French from Latin altus, meaning "high"). When you enhance something you take it to a higher level, like adding salt to French fries to enhance flavor or adding words to enhance your vocabulary.

Example Sentences

The project will also include new landscaping, walking paths and other features to enhance the location’s appeal as a park.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The hope is that allowing exports will boost profits and investment in Japan’s relatively small defense industry and enhance its competitiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

While options can enhance returns, they can just as easily amplify losses — and for many long-term investors, a well-diversified portfolio with minimal reliance on options is often the more suitable path.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Those likely include peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500, and MOTs-C, which are said to enhance strength, energy, and recovery and have become fixtures in the fitness community.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Leaders may enhance their informal status by renouncing formal symbols.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

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