Definition

The act of making something higher or more intense.

Example

The heightening of the tension in the movie kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Conversation

I felt a real sense of heightening excitement during the concert last night.

That sounds amazing! Was the atmosphere really electric?

Absolutely, the energy in the crowd was just incredible, adding to the heightening experience.

I can only imagine! I wish I could have been there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heightening → It is formed from "height" (from Old English "hēah", meaning high) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "heightening" means the act of making something higher or increasing its height.

Memory Tip

Think of making something 'high' ('height') and adding 'en' to mean to make it so — that's why heightening means to make something higher.

Visually Confused Words