Enhances Definition & Meaning

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

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 Web Delivering crisp, clear surround sound with up to 12 hours of play time, these speakers will enhance the experience of listening to music and podcasts. — Editors Of Men's Health, Men's Health, 4 May 2022 Like beautiful shoes and a captivating clutch, the best bridal earrings elegantly enhance every outfit within your wedding wardrobe. — Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 3 May 2022 The lifestyle changes enhance his domestic popularity and are essential to attract Western money and minds to the kingdom. — Karen Elliott House, WSJ, 3 May 2022 Facial recognition will enhance these systems, allowing people to derive more functionality than ever before. — Tina D'agostin, Forbes, 3 May 2022 The bulk provided by insoluble fiber and water-holding properties of soluble fiber can also enhance feelings of fullness. — Marygrace Taylor, SELF, 30 Apr. 2022 Face-Framing Bangs Like any accessory, bangs should enhance your features, not overwhelm them. — Jessica Prince Erlich, Allure, 30 Apr. 2022 Fertilizers enhance the growth of the plant, which increases its density both above-ground and below. — Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 28 Apr. 2022 On the other hand, a new comb and brush could enhance your detangling and styling capabilities. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enhance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.