enhance
Americanverb (used with object)
-
enhances,
present (3rd person singular)
-
enhanced,
past participle, past
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enhancing
present participle
verb
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.
Synonym Usage
See elevate.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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enhancesimple
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enhancessimple
-
have enhancedperfect
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has enhancedperfect
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am enhancingprogressive
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are enhancingprogressive
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is enhancingprogressive
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have been enhancingperfect progressive
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has been enhancingperfect progressive
Past
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enhancedsimple
-
had enhancedperfect
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was enhancingprogressive
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were enhancingprogressive
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had been enhancingperfect progressive
Future
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.
Vocabulary lists containing enhance
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The commentary in particular also instructs judges when they can enhance or decrease a sentence based on the facts of the case.
From Slate ● Oct. 18, 2026
"Even ordinary weapons now get an AI-based control system to enhance their capabilities," he said.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
"The question now is: How can we enhance or exploit this cleanup system to treat or even prevent disease."
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
There’s a lot of money being lost on the other properties, and as a result, the shareholders of those airlines must be demanding accountability to the managers of those airlines to enhance their performance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
Also, sound effects can be added to enhance the action or bring a fuller meaning or experience.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
The idea is that the external pressure they apply supports circulation, enhances blood flow to the muscles, and reduces swelling.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders told us car makers go "above and beyond regulatory requirements", while Toyota said it "continuously enhances vehicle security".
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
But the new Senate Bill 186 enhances refundability for the industry and exempts independent productions from the credit limits, starting next year.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
"Diversifying energy supplies, including with abundant US sources, enhances regional stability and prosperity."
From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026
He wants his listener to feel disorientated, or surprised, or intrigued, especially if it fits or enhances the words of the poem.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
Sorkin’s film highlights the conflict between slow-moving reporting and the light-speed pace of modern culture, a velocity enhanced by the very tech the film has in its crosshairs.
From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026
Garcia Ortega is now being held in the Monterey County Jail on $150,000 enhanced bail, which she had not posted as of Tuesday evening, Rosas said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
“We … do not see potential asset monetization as transformative to materially alter the outlook for enhanced shareholder returns,” MS says.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
"We observed that the critical temperature can increase by up to 5.4% in a six-layer NbSe2 device, while the critical current and critical magnetic field are significantly enhanced near the superconducting transition," said Prof. Cheng.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 3, 2026
Jonathan Zhang’s talent is Hiding, and once it’s enhanced, he happily demonstrates by turning his body into clear glass.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Moody’s said in a statement the tie-up “will be strategically transformative, materially enhancing scale, revenue diversification and margins.”
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026
The technology was "absolutely not" replacing people, Palmer said, and it was enhancing interactions with clients.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
"Conversely, the sweeter milk chocolate scent acts more like a hedonic reward cue, enhancing training volume by creating a highly pleasant sensory environment rather than by shifting basic metabolic hunger signals."
From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026
A Federal Bureau of Investigation official praised the public-private sector operation as enhancing the bureau’s capabilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
She knew that these classes were enhancing her students’ reading levels, their understanding of the world, their souls.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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