enhance

verb

en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
en-
enhanced; enhancing

transitive verb

1
: heighten, increase
especially : to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness
enhanced the room with crown molding
2
obsolete : raise
enhancement noun

Did you know?

Enhance Has Latin Roots

When enhance was borrowed into English in the 13th century, it literally meant to raise something higher. That sense, though now obsolete, provides a clue about the origins of the word. Enhance, which was spelled enhauncen in Middle English, comes to us from Anglo-French enhaucer or enhauncer ("to raise"), which can be traced back to the Latin altus ("high") by way of an assumed Vulgar Latin verb inaltiare, which would have been formed by combining the prefix in- with the Latin altus. Although enhance initially applied only to physically making things higher, it developed an additional and less literal sense of "to exalt especially in rank or spirit," and quickly acquired extended figurative senses for raising the value or attractiveness of something or someone.

Examples of enhance in a Sentence

You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs. The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail. The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Britt wants to see expansions of two child care tax breaks, as she’s pushed a bipartisan measure with Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) aimed at enhancing support for child and dependent care. Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025 Its main three areas of focus revolve around advocating for the legal profession, eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, as well as advancing the rule of law. Callum Sutherland, Time, 30 May 2025 Irvin also shot an HDR pass to enhance the surreal atmosphere of the club celebration after the first concert (where the center of the frame looks normal, but the sides are smeared). Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 29 May 2025 On May 13, the automaker revealed the Re:Nissan plan, a pathway forward to enhance performance and create a leaner, more agile business. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for enhance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of enhance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Enhance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enhance. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

enhance

verb
en·​hance in-ˈhan(t)s How to pronounce enhance (audio)
enhanced; enhancing
: to increase or improve in value, desirability, or attractiveness
enhancement noun
enhancer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enhance

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