high
high — noun
1. a level, number, or amount that is the greatest ever reached, often in the conte
a level, number, or amount that is the greatest ever reached, often in the context of prices, temperatures, or performance records
Oil prices reached a new high of $95 per barrel this morning.
reach a new high of + number
The stock market hit an all-time high yesterday, making many investors happy.
hit an all-time high
Temperatures in Tokyo reached a record high of 38 degrees last week.
The company's profits rose to a new high this year, surprising the whole industry.
Darius noted that the river level had reached a dangerous high after the storm.
reach a [adjective] high
- reach a high
- hit a high
- all-time high
- record high
- new high
- dangerous high
- peak
focuses on the very top of a curve; 'high' can describe a sustained record, while 'peak' is the single highest point
- record
used as a noun to mean the best-ever achievement; 'high' is more general and can refer to any elevated level
- maximum
more technical and exact; 'high' is less precise and more common in everyday speech
- low
the opposite end of the same scale — a low is the smallest amount or weakest point
Grammar Patterns
the/a high of + number
reach/hit a high
Common Mistakes
2. a short period of great happiness, excitement, or energy, which can be caused by
a short period of great happiness, excitement, or energy, which can be caused by a success, a drug, alcohol, or a spiritual experience
Winning the competition gave Tara a natural high that lasted for days.
natural high — non-drug euphoria from achievement
Apinya was on a high for a week after finishing her first marathon.
on a high — experiencing the euphoric state
Some people seek the high that comes from extreme sports like rock climbing.
The crowd was on a high after the team scored in the final seconds.
Antonia warned her friends about the dangers of chasing the high from illegal drugs.
the high from [cause/source]
- on a high
- natural high
- come down from a high
- chase a high
Grammar Patterns
on a high
a natural high
come down from a high
Usage Note
Common in the phrase 'on a high' to describe the state of experiencing this feeling. Can be modified with adjectives like 'natural', 'sudden', or 'temporary' to clarify the cause.
Common Mistakes
3. the short informal form of 'high school', appearing in a school's official title
the short informal form of 'high school', appearing in a school's official title
My cousin goes to Northwood High, which is just a few blocks from our house.
used as part of a school name — Northwood High
Romi graduated from Central High in 2023 and is now at university.
The basketball team from Washington High won the city championship this year.
Mrs. Sade has been teaching math at Lincoln High since 2015.
Grammar Patterns
[Name] High
Usage Note
Always written with a capital H as part of the official school name. Usually follows a place name or person's name. This use is common in American English but less familiar to British English speakers.
Common Mistakes
high — adjective
1. describing an object that extends far upward from its base or is situated well a
describing an object that extends far upward from its base or is situated well above floor level — for instance, a mountain, a building, or a shelf
The books on the top shelf are too high for a child to reach.
position: too high for [someone] to reach
The top shelf was too high for Minh to reach, so he stood on a chair to get the book.
A high wall surrounds the garden to keep out animals.
collocation: high wall / high mountain / high building
The flood water rose so high that it reached the first floor.
A high fence separates the two houses in the neighbourhood.
- high wall
- high shelf
- high ceiling
- high window
- high mountain
- low
the direct opposite—short distance from bottom to top or from the ground
Usage Note
Used mainly for objects and places, not for people. For a person's height, use 'tall' instead.
Common Mistakes
2. greater in number, amount, level, or degree than what is normal or expected
greater in number, amount, level, or degree than what is normal or expected
The temperature in Taipei is very high during the summer months.
collocation: high temperature / high price / high speed
Ritu was worried about the high cost of living in the city.
Drivers should not go at high speed near schools.
Christopher received a high score on his math test.
Devika's high level of stress from her final exams kept her awake for three nights straight.
- high price
- high temperature
- high speed
- high level
- high cost
- high score
- high risk
- high quality
- low
below the usual or expected level (low price, low temperature)
Common Mistakes
3. describes something that has a big amount of a certain element — such as a fruit
describes something that has a big amount of a certain element — such as a fruit that is rich in vitamins or a region with many minerals
Spinach is high in iron and other important vitamins.
pattern: high in [nutrient/substance]
Aylin chose a breakfast cereal that is low in sugar but high in fibre.
This area of the city has a neighbourhood high in crime.
Hao's doctor told him to avoid foods high in salt.
The Mediterranean diet is high in vegetables and healthy oils.
- high in protein
- high in fat
- high in sugar
- high in fibre
- high in calcium
- low
containing very little of something (low in fat, low in calories)
Grammar Patterns
high + in + [substance/quality]
Usage Note
Usually followed by 'in' + a noun (high in protein, high in fat). Common in health, nutrition, and environmental contexts.
Common Mistakes
4. having strong moral principles or a very good, admirable quality—for example, pu
having strong moral principles or a very good, admirable quality—for example, pursuing a noble purpose or setting a strict ethical standard
The charity works to promote high moral standards in business.
collocation: high moral standards / high ideals / high principles
Tendai held high ideals about fairness after watching his mother defend poor neighbours against unfair landlords.
The teacher expected her students to show high standards of honesty.
People admired Joaquín for his high principles even in difficult times.
- high moral standards
- high ideals
- high principles
- high standards of honesty
Usage Note
This sense is typically used with abstract nouns such as 'standards', 'ideals', 'principles', and 'morals'. It describes character or quality, not concrete objects.
Common Mistakes
5. (of wind or sea) moving or blowing with great force; strong and powerful in spee
(of wind or sea) moving or blowing with great force; strong and powerful in speed or intensity
High winds blew tree branches onto the road during the storm.
collocation: high wind / high winds
The ferry could not leave the port because of high seas.
Adina shut all the windows before the high winds arrived.
Meteorologists warned of high winds along the coast tonight.
- high wind
- high winds
- high seas
Usage Note
Almost always used with 'wind' or 'sea' (high wind / high seas). Not used for storms or rain directly (a 'high storm' is incorrect).
Common Mistakes
6. having a lot of power, authority, or influence; occupying a senior or respected
having a lot of power, authority, or influence; occupying a senior or respected position in an organisation or society
Élise was promoted to a high position in the company last year.
collocation: high position / high rank / high office
Several high officials attended the important international meeting in Geneva.
The Tanakas, a family of high social status, were invited to every charity gala in the city.
The judge handled the case with high authority and fairness.
Only high-ranking officers have access to that secure room.
collocation: high-ranking official / high-ranking officer
- high position
- high rank
- high status
- high-ranking official
- high-level meeting
Usage Note
Frequently combines with other words to form compounds like 'high-ranking' and 'high-level'. The opposite sense of status is 'low' (low-ranking, low status).
Common Mistakes
7. describes a sound whose pitch is well above the middle of what people can hear —
describes a sound whose pitch is well above the middle of what people can hear — for example, a whistle, a child's shriek, or the highest notes on a piano
The cat let out a high squeal when Kwame accidentally stepped on its tail.
high + noun for a sharp sound
Min's voice went high with excitement as she described the surprise party.
The high notes on the violin sounded clear and sweet through the concert hall.
attributive: high + notes/pitch
The driver heard a high beep coming from the smoke alarm in the kitchen.
Dogs can hear sounds at a much higher pitch than humans can detect.
comparative: higher + pitch
- high note
- high pitch
- high voice
- high frequency
- high sound
- high squeal
- high beep
- high-pitched
more specific and common in everyday speech for voices and sounds
- shrill
suggests an unpleasant, piercing quality
- sharp
describes a sudden, intense high sound
Grammar Patterns
high + noun (attributive)
be/get/become + high (predicative)
Usage Note
Frequently used attributively (high note, high pitch) but also works predicatively (the alarm was high). To describe a person's typical voice, high-pitched is more natural.
Common Mistakes
8. describes meat, especially wild game such as pheasant or venison, that has start
describes meat, especially wild game such as pheasant or venison, that has started to decay and gives off a very strong, unpleasant smell
The butcher warned Zuri that the pheasant was high and needed cooking today.
predicative: be + high (game meat)
A high, unpleasant smell came from the old fridge when Joshua opened its door.
Some hunters enjoy eating high game meat with a very strong flavour.
attributive: high + meat/game
Hamza threw away the duck because it had gone high in the warm weather.
The venison smelled a bit high, so Élise did not serve it to guests.
high describing sensory state of meat
- high meat
- high game
- go high
- taste high
- smell high
- high pheasant
- high venison
- fresh
describes meat that is newly prepared and safe to eat
Grammar Patterns
be/go + high (predicative)
go + high
high + meat/game (attributive)
Usage Note
Chiefly British. Most often applied to game birds and wild meat that have been hung to develop a strong taste. When meat is just generally spoiled and inedible, the more common word is off (British) or rotten/bad (American).
Common Mistakes
9. in a state of unusual excitement, loss of control, or confused thinking caused b
in a state of unusual excitement, loss of control, or confused thinking caused by taking illegal drugs
After smoking marijuana, Lucía felt high and could not stop laughing.
get/feel + high (drug effect)
The police arrested Christopher for driving while high on prescription pills.
Esme could tell her brother was high because his eyes were very red.
be + high (visible physical signs)
Eitan warned his friends about the dangers of getting high on unknown pills.
Being high made Ishaan feel disconnected from everything around him.
- get high
- feel high
- be high on
- stay high
- while high
- high on drugs
- high on weed
- getting high
- stoned
specifically suggests the relaxed, drowsy effect of marijuana or similar drugs
- intoxicated
formal term covering both alcohol and drugs
- wasted
very informal slang for being heavily affected by drugs or alcohol
Grammar Patterns
be/get + high
get + high + on + drug
while + high
Usage Note
Common in informal speech. Almost always predicative (she is high, they got high). The phrase high on specifies the substance: high on cocaine / high on weed. 'Getting high' is a fixed collocation referring to the act of taking drugs for pleasure.
Common Mistakes
high and dry
idiomleft in a difficult situation without any help or support, especially after being abandoned by someone who previously provided assistance
When the tour company went bankrupt, the travellers were left high and dry in a foreign city.
The company's sudden closure left its employees high and dry with no pay.
high and mighty
idiombehaving as though you are more important or better than other people, often in an annoying way
Léa has been acting all high and mighty since she got her new job.
The manager's high and mighty attitude annoyed everyone in the office.
high time
idiomused to say that something should have been done already and must be done very soon without further delay
It is high time the government did something about traffic in the city.
It is high time you started studying for your final exams.
To act as if you are morally superior to others.
Maya got on her high horse when we disagreed with her.
Don't get on your high horse about recycling; we all try.
People who have important jobs or a lot of influence.
The lawyer has friends in high places who helped his case.
She got the job because her uncle is a person in high places.
have a high old time
idiomTo enjoy yourself a lot.
The children had a high old time at the amusement park.
We had a high old time dancing at the party last night.
No matter what difficulties happen.
I will finish this project, come hell or high water.
Come hell or high water, we'll be at your wedding.
high as a kite
idiomVery excited or unable to think clearly because of drugs or alcohol.
After the concert, Diego was high as a kite from the music.
She was high as a kite after taking the medicine.
a high/low profile
idiomThe amount of public attention someone or something gets.
The celebrity keeps a low profile to avoid paparazzi.
The charity event had a high profile with many news reporters.
in high dudgeon
idiomIn an angry and offended mood, showing it clearly.
He left the meeting in high dudgeon after the argument.
Sara slammed the door and went out in high dudgeon.
it’s about/high time
idiomUsed to say that something should happen soon or already should have happened.
It's high time you started studying for the exam.
It's about time the bus arrived; we've been waiting for an hour.
Of a very high quality or degree.
The chef's skills are of a high order.
That mistake was a blunder of the first order.
To have a very strong and unpleasant smell.
The garbage in the kitchen stinks to high heaven.
His old sneakers smell to high heaven after the game.
To claim that your opinion is morally better than someone else's.
Politicians often try to seize the moral high ground on taxes.
She took the moral high ground by refusing to lie.
high — adverb
1. far above the ground, whether staying in one place or moving to a higher point
far above the ground, whether staying in one place or moving to a higher point
A kite flew high above the park where Lien was playing with her brother.
The shelf was fixed high on the wall, so Benjamin needed a ladder.
passive with 'high on': be fixed / be placed + high on [surface]
Rania threw the ball high over the fence into the neighbour's garden.
verb of motion + high + over / above [obstacle]
From the lookout point, the village lay high in the valley below Ilan.
Naoko hung the picture high on the living room wall above the sofa.
- fly high
- jump high
- climb high
- throw high
- hang high
- fix high
- high above
- high over
- high up
- low
direct opposite; at or to a small distance from the ground
Grammar Patterns
verb + high + prepositional phrase (above / over / on / in)
be + high + prepositional phrase
Usage Note
Common with verbs of position (be, sit, lie, stand) and verbs of motion (fly, jump, throw, climb). For figurative meanings meaning 'to a great degree', use 'highly' instead — e.g. 'highly recommended', not 'high recommended'.
Common Mistakes
high and low
idiomin every possible place; searching everywhere with great effort
Evelyn searched high and low for her car keys before finding them in the kitchen.
The detective looked high and low for clues but found nothing useful.
fly high
idiomto be very successful, especially after a period of hard work
After the product launch, the company was flying high for several months.
Vinícius is flying high after winning the national art competition.
aim high
idiomto set ambitious goals or try to achieve a lot
Baraka always told his students to aim high and never give up.
If you aim high, you may achieve more than you ever expected.
Word family
- highlyadverbB1
- heightnounB1
- highnessnounC1
- highlightverbB2
- highlightnounB2
- high-leveladjectiveB2
- high-endadjectiveB2
- high-profileadjectiveB2
- high-speedadjectiveB1
- high-rankingadjectiveB2
- high-pitchedadjectiveB2
- high-qualityadjectiveB1
- highwaynounA2
- highlandnounB1
- higheradjectiveA2
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
While 'high' and 'tall' both describe vertical extent, 'tall' is used for people and narrow objects (a tall tree, a tall man) whereas 'high' describes distance from the ground (a high shelf, a high ceiling). 'Lofty' is a more formal alternative typically applied to impressive architecture or noble ideals (lofty ceilings, lofty ambitions). 'Elevated' suggests something raised above its surroundings, often in a technical or physical sense (elevated platform, elevated blood pressure). When used for prices or costs, 'high' is general (high rent), while 'expensive' describes the item itself rather than the numerical level. For amounts and degrees, 'great' overlaps partially (great importance vs. high importance), but 'great' carries a stronger subjective emphasis.
Common collocations
Phrases
- high and low
- high five
- high ground
- high school
- high street
- high tide
- high water
- on high
- from on high
- high office
- high places
Etymology
From Old English 'heah' (tall, lofty, exalted), tracing back through Proto-Germanic *hauha- to the Proto-Indo-European root *keuk- ('to be strong, lifted'). Related to German 'hoch' and Dutch 'hoog'. Figurative senses such as 'important' and 'expensive' emerged during the Middle English period, while the slang meaning for drug intoxication appeared in 1930s America.