When enhance was borrowed into English in the 13th century, it literally meant to raise something higher. That sense, though now obsolete, provides a clue about the origins of the word. Enhance, which was spelled enhauncen in Middle English, comes to us from Anglo-Frenchenhaucer or enhauncer ("to raise"), which can be traced back to the Latin altus ("high") by way of an assumed Vulgar Latin verb inaltiare, which would have been formed by combining the prefix in- with the Latin altus. Although enhance initially applied only to physically making things higher, it developed an additional and less literal sense of "to exalt especially in rank or spirit," and quickly acquired extended figurative senses for raising the value or attractiveness of something or someone.
You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs.
The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail.
The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.
Recent Examples on the WebThe weather service’s Storm Prediction Center placed the Kansas City metro at a slight to enhanced risk for severe weather Saturday.—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2024 The Department of Public Works said in a statement that the agency has, since 2020, spent over $50 million to enhance street safety, putting in curb extensions at intersections and making crosswalks more visible, among other improvements.—Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for enhance
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enhance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old
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