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

Historically reliant on Russian arms, with Russia accounting for 60 percent of its military imports in 2022, Vietnam is now seeking to diversify its suppliers and enhance domestic weapons production. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

On the other hand, bright and vibrant colors work to enhance the natural undertones and can even have a brightening effect. —Jessica Fields, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024

Options to opt out of certain forms of data tracking can further enhance the ethical use of AI and promote greater consumer confidence. —Gary Drenik, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, Oh Young-Woo, CEO of South Korea’s Face Factory, praised the event for enhancing international reach and showcasing Asian beauty innovations to the Middle East market. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 19 Dec. 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

14th 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