Heightened - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Heightened means increased or intensified, often referring to emotions, senses, or awareness. For example, anxiety can be heightened during stressful situations, making feelings more intense.
Definition:
Increased in intensity, degree, or amount; made more extreme or pronounced.
Synonyms:
intensified, increased, elevated, amplified
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
reduced, diminished
Common Collocations:
heightened awareness, heightened emotions, heightened security
Derivatives:
heighten (verb), heightening (noun)
Usage Tips:
Use "heightened" to describe something that has become stronger or more noticeable, often in emotional or sensory contexts.
Common Phrases:
heightened senses, heightened state of alert, heightened expectations
Etymology:
Derived from "heighten," from Old English "hēah" (high) + "-en" (verb-forming suffix).
Examples:
- 1. The tension was heightened by the sudden noise.
- 2. Her heightened senses helped her detect the faint scent.
- 3. The artist used bold colors for a heightened effect.
- 4. Security measures were heightened after the incident.