higher

British  

/ ˈhaɪə /

adjective

1. the comparative of high

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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 rates slow economic growth, a risk that’s not going away.

From Barron's • Jun. 24, 2026

Higher temperatures going into July and an expected increase in LNG exports could offer demand-side support, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Higher charter rates for oil tankers are motivating owners to take the risk of entering the strait.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

Higher levels of carbon make water look brown because it’s basically dissolved plant matter that stains the water like tea leaves would.

From Science Daily • Jun. 21, 2026

Higher, he flew—higher—until the heat of the sun melted the wax holding those wings.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey