enhance
verb OPAL W
/ɪnˈhɑːns/
/ɪnˈhæns/
Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they enhance | /ɪnˈhɑːns/ /ɪnˈhæns/ |
| he / she / it enhances | /ɪnˈhɑːnsɪz/ /ɪnˈhænsɪz/ |
| past simple enhanced | /ɪnˈhɑːnst/ /ɪnˈhænst/ |
| past participle enhanced | /ɪnˈhɑːnst/ /ɪnˈhænst/ |
| -ing form enhancing | /ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ/ /ɪnˈhænsɪŋ/ |
- enhance something to increase or further improve the good quality, value or status of somebody/something
- This is an opportunity to enhance the reputation of the company.
- things that can significantly enhance the quality of your life
- The runner says he's never used steroids to enhance his performance.
- The new initiative will enhance our ability to respond to threats abroad.
- The project was designed to enhance the experience of museum visitors.
- the skilled use of make-up to enhance your best features
- The techniques should greatly enhance the prospects for children with learning difficulties.
- These latest discoveries have further enhanced our understanding of the origins of the universe.
Extra Examples- The attractiveness of the book is much enhanced by Mark Stevens' drawings.
- The images have been digitally enhanced.
- reforms designed to enhance market efficiency
- Most people seek to enhance their status at work in whatever ways they can.
- The images can be enhanced using digital technology.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb- considerably
- dramatically
- greatly
- …
- can
- could
- may
- …
- digitally enhanced
- surgically enhanced
Word OriginMiddle English (formerly also as inhance): from Anglo-Norman French enhauncer, based on Latin in- (expressing intensive force) + altus ‘high’. The word originally meant ‘elevate’ (literally and figuratively), later ‘exaggerate, make appear greater’, also ‘raise the value or price of something’. Current senses date from the early 16th cent.