enhance
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To improve the quality, value, or extent of something; to make it greater or better.
To intensify or heighten an experience, appearance, or quality, often through augmentation or refinement. In computing, to improve the quality or detail of an image, sound, or system capability.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies a positive improvement and is transitive, requiring a direct object. It often suggests adding to or increasing desirable qualities, rather than fixing something broken.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it interchangeably.
Connotations
Slightly formal and positive in both varieties. Common in business, academic, and technical contexts.
Frequency
Equally common and used with similar frequency in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] enhances [NP][NP] is enhanced by [NP/doing]to enhance [NP] by [doing/using]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Enhance one's image”
- “Adds/Adds nothing to/enhances the flavour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe improving products, services, brand value, or customer experience (e.g., 'The software will enhance productivity').
Academic
Common in research and analysis to describe improving understanding, quality, or results (e.g., 'The study enhances our knowledge of the phenomenon').
Everyday
Used for improving personal qualities, experiences, or possessions (e.g., 'A fresh coat of paint will enhance the room').
Technical
In computing and photography, refers to improving the quality of data, images, or system performance (e.g., 'Use this tool to enhance the image resolution').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new lighting will enhance the building's architectural features.
- They used spices to enhance the flavour of the dish.
American English
- The software update is designed to enhance system security.
- Good communication skills can enhance your career prospects.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Good food can enhance a party.
- The picture is nice but I want to enhance the colours.
- Regular exercise can enhance your overall well-being.
- The museum's new app enhances the visitor experience.
- The company aims to enhance its reputation through sustainable practices.
- This technique is used to enhance the clarity of digital images.
- The treaty was seen as an opportunity to enhance diplomatic relations between the two nations.
- Advanced materials were developed to enhance the performance of the aircraft under extreme conditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of HANCE like 'advANCE' – to enhance is to advance something forward, making it better.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPROVEMENT IS ADDING VALUE / QUALITY IS HEIGHT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'усилить' in the sense of physical force (use 'strengthen').
- Not 'повысить' for simple increases in quantity or level (use 'increase', 'raise').
- Can be confused with 'улучшить', but 'enhance' implies adding to existing good qualities, not fixing bad ones.
Common Mistakes
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The situation enhanced' is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'increase' (which is more about quantity).
- Overusing in place of simpler words like 'improve'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'enhance' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Enhance' often suggests adding to or intensifying existing good qualities to make something more desirable or valuable. 'Improve' is more general and can mean making something better from any state, including fixing something bad.
Yes, but typically for their qualities, skills, reputation, or appearance, not the person as a whole (e.g., 'enhance your skills', 'enhance your CV').
It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation but is very common in business, academic, and technical writing.
Using it as an intransitive verb (without an object). It is always transitive (e.g., 'The software enhances [something]').