enhance

verb

en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s 

en-

enhanced; enhancing

transitive verb

1

: heighten, increase

especially : to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness

enhanced the room with crown molding

2

obsolete : raise

enhancement

in-ˈhan(t)-smənt 

en-

noun

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• ameliorate
• amend
• better
• enrich
• help
• improve
• meliorate
• perfect
• refine
• upgrade

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

Environmentalists have pressed state water officials, particularly the Water Resources Control Board, to compel farmers to reduce diversions from rivers to enhance flows. —Dan Walters, Orange County Register, 7 June 2024

To any hiker, these sounds enhance the joy of being outdoors. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024

Neuro-Innovators will pursue an FDA fast-track pathway for product approval, which is designed to enhance the brain’s neuroplasticity and healing after trauma. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 June 2024

But men have helped move the sport in exciting directions with complementary skills that help enhance its athleticism and power, said Lisa Schott, the technical and artistic swimming chair at World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body. —Sarah Lyall Daniel Dorsa, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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Kids Definition

enhance

verb

en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s 

enhanced; enhancing

: to increase or improve in value, desirability, or attractiveness

enhancement

-mənt 

noun

enhancer noun