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Enhance Has Latin Roots
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-French enhaucer 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.
Examples of enhance in a Sentence
Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
Engaging in cross-sector dialogue and participating in industry groups can further enhance awareness of sector-specific risks and foster a more informed, collaborative approach to business planning.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Cordelia Tuan, 32, of Detroit, who spoke outside of the Central Station, also raised concern with the shutdown and the ending of Affordable Care Act enhanced subsidies being fought over amid it.
—Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Choose from an array of seasonal colors like army green, chocolate, brown, burnt orange, or deep red to instantly enhance your fall look.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for enhance
Cite this Entry
“Enhance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enhance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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enhance
verb
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