higher
higher — adjective
- higherpositive
- higherercomparative
- higherestsuperlative
1. describes something that is above another in position, or that has a larger numb
describes something that is above another in position, or that has a larger number, stronger degree, or more importance than something else or than the usual standard
Nicholas got a higher score on his maths test than his friend did.
higher + noun + than for comparing two things
Fruit prices are higher in winter due to long-distance shipping.
Zola took a job with a higher salary and left her old company.
Kenji lives two floors higher than Iris and can see the whole city.
Temperatures in the desert are much higher during the day than they are at night.
- lower
direct opposite in position, amount, level, or rank
文法句型
higher + noun (than + noun)
用法筆記
Frequently appears in comparative constructions with 'than'. The thing being compared to can be stated explicitly ('higher than last year') or implied ('a higher price').
常見錯誤
2. relating to a stage of learning that goes beyond secondary school, typically at
relating to a stage of learning that goes beyond secondary school, typically at a college, university, or professional training institute
Rohan is saving money so he can go to university for higher education next year.
higher education = university-level study
Many companies prefer to hire people who have completed a higher degree in their field.
The government is investing more money into higher education to help more students attend college.
Vikram enrolled in a higher-level English course to prepare for the university entrance exam.
文法句型
higher + education / level / degree
用法筆記
Almost always used attributively before nouns — 'higher education', 'higher level', 'higher degree'. Rarely used predicatively ('this education is higher').
常見錯誤
higher — noun
- highersingular
- highersplural
1. an official school examination in Scotland, usually taken by students between th
an official school examination in Scotland, usually taken by students between the ages of 16 and 18, which is required for entry to most Scottish universities
Noa studied hard for her Highers in biology, chemistry, and English.
study for + Highers (plural form)
Students need to pass at least three Highers to get into most universities in Scotland.
The school offers extra classes on Saturdays to help pupils prepare for their Highers.
Defne was nervous before her Higher maths exam, but she passed with a good grade.
文法句型
take / pass / study for + Higher(s)
用法筆記
When referring to the exam system or a set of exams, the plural form 'Highers' is more common than the singular 'Higher'. The word is typically capitalised in official contexts.
常見錯誤
higher — adverb
1. toward or at an elevated point, stronger level, or larger amount than is usual o
toward or at an elevated point, stronger level, or larger amount than is usual or than something else
The helicopter rose higher and higher until it disappeared into the clouds.
higher and higher = increasingly high
Rodrigo aimed higher in his career and applied for the regional manager position.
aim higher = set more ambitious goals
Prices for apartments in the city centre climb higher every year.
Mathieu jumped higher than anyone else in the competition and won first place.
The temperature is expected to go higher as the summer months arrive.
- lower
direct opposite; at or to a lower position or degree
文法句型
fly / climb / aim + higher
higher + than + noun
用法筆記
Commonly paired with verbs of movement (fly, climb, rise, jump) and with verbs expressing ambition or increase (aim, reach, go). Often followed by 'than' for explicit comparison.
常見錯誤
2. in a way that involves spending plenty of money on comfort, fine food, and enjoy
in a way that involves spending plenty of money on comfort, fine food, and enjoyable things; more extravagantly than before
Jin's family lived higher after his promotion and bought a bigger house.
live higher = live more luxuriously
The wealthy travellers were accustomed to living high, staying only in five-star hotels.
After her art gallery became profitable, Sofia started living high and bought a seaside house.
When money is tight, living as high as before becomes difficult.
- extravagantly
more formal; focuses on wasteful spending
- luxuriously
direct synonym; emphasises comfort and fine quality
- lavishly
similar to extravagantly, with a positive connotation of generosity
文法句型
live high / higher
用法筆記
Almost always occurs in the fixed expression 'live high' (or the comparative 'live higher'). Not used productively with other verbs — you cannot say 'eat higher' or 'dress higher' in this sense.
常見錯誤
3. for a larger amount of money than usual or than something else; at a greater cos
for a larger amount of money than usual or than something else; at a greater cost
The painting sold higher than any other piece at the charity auction.
sell higher = sell for more money
People who book flights at the last minute often end up paying higher.
Vikram paid higher for concert tickets because he bought from a reseller.
In tourist areas, the street vendors charge higher than shops in local neighbourhoods.
- dearly
more formal; often implies the price is too high or has caused hardship
- lower
for less money; at a reduced price
文法句型
pay + higher
sell + higher
cost + higher
用法筆記
Commonly paired with the verbs 'pay', 'sell', and 'cost'. When the comparison target is stated, 'than' is used ('pay higher than the usual rate').