high

¹high

adj \ˈhī\

Definition of HIGH

1

a : having large extension upward : taller than average, usual, or expected <a high wall> b : having a specified elevation : tall <six feet high> —often used in combinations <sky-high> <waist-high> c : situated or passing above the normal level, surface, base of measurement, or elevation <the high desert>

2

a (1) : advanced toward the acme or culmination <high summer> (2) : advanced toward the most active or culminating period <on the Riviera during high season> (3) : constituting the late, most fully developed, or most creative stage or period <high Gothic> (4) : advanced in complexity, development, or elaboration <the higher primates including humans> <higher mathematics> b : verging on lateness —usually used in the phrase high time c : long past : remote <high antiquity>

3

: elevated in pitch <a high note>

4

: relatively far from the equator <high latitude>

5

: rich in quality : luxurious <high living>

6

: slightly tainted <high game>; also : malodorous <smelled rather high>

7

: exalted in character : noble <high purposes>

8

: of greater degree, amount, cost, value, or content than average, usual, or expected <high prices>

9

: of relatively great importance: as a : foremost in rank, dignity, or standing <high officials> b : serious, grave <high crimes> c : observed with the utmost solemnity <high religious observances> d : critical, climactic <the high point of the novel> e : intellectually or artistically of the first order <high culture> f : marked by sublime, heroic, or stirring events or subject matter <high tragedy> <high adventure>

10

: forcible, strong <high winds>

11

: stressing matters of doctrine and ceremony; specifically : high church

12

a : filled with or expressing great joy or excitement <high spirits> b : intoxicated; also : excited or stupefied by or as if by a drug

13

: articulated with some part of the tongue close to the palate <a high vowel>

— high on

: enthusiastically in approval or support of

Examples of HIGH

1. The apartment has high ceilings.
2. The airplane was high above the clouds.
3. The bush is six feet high.
4. a building 100 stories high
5. They have a home in the high country.
6. The houses are built on high ground.
7. They reached speeds as high as 100 mph.
8. He's being treated for high blood pressure.
9. She earns a high salary.
10. His books are in high demand.

Origin of HIGH

Middle English, from Old English hēah; akin to Old High German hōh high, Lithuanian kaukaras hill

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HIGH

Synonyms: altitudinous, lofty, tall, towering

Antonyms: low, low-lying, short, squat

Related Words: dominant, dominating, eminent, prominent; elevated, lifted, raised, uplifted, upswept; high-rise, statuesque

Near Antonyms: flat, stubby, stumpy

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of HIGH

high, tall, lofty mean above the average in height. high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level <a high hill> <a high ceiling>. tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness <a tall thin man>. lofty suggests great or imposing altitude <lofty mountain peaks>.