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 fuel expenses would raise inflation, crimp consumer spending and prod businesses to put hiring and investment plans on hold.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

Higher gas prices will especially hurt middle- and lower-income Americans, potentially putting a lid on consumer spending.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

Higher up, Amorim encouraged passing routines that ended with direct through balls for attackers and wing-backs running in behind.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Higher transaction volumes for the Square payment system and Cash App Borrow lending service helped the company beat Wall Street’s expectations.

From Barron's • May 8, 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