enhance

verb

en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
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 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Federal officials noted that the penalties are enhanced based on Tilley’s prior state convictions. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025 For example, a healthcare provider using a unified content model can empower their staff to retrieve patient records or research data with ease, reducing the burden on management and enhancing patient experience. Daniel Fallmann, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Hawaii represented one of the most significant strategic spots on the globe, enhancing power projection across the Pacific, east or west, and bolstering the defensive perimeter of any Pacific nation that controlled it. Robert W. Merry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025 Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area. Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enhance

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of enhance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Enhance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enhance. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

enhance

verb
en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
enhanced; enhancing
: to increase or improve in value, desirability, or attractiveness
enhancement noun
enhancer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enhance

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