hi-tech: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral; common in journalism, marketing, business, and everyday conversation; less formal than 'high technology'.
Quick answer
What does “hi-tech” mean?
using or involving the most modern and advanced technology available, especially electronic or digital technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
using or involving the most modern and advanced technology available, especially electronic or digital technology.
Describing a style, design, or aesthetic that incorporates or resembles advanced industrial materials and forms, often with a sleek, minimalist appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both variants use 'hi-tech'. 'High-tech' is equally common, especially in American English. The hyphen is often omitted in informal contexts ('hitech').
Connotations
Similar connotations in both, though the architectural/style meaning is slightly more established in UK usage.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media and business contexts; in US English, 'cutting-edge' or 'state-of-the-art' might be preferred in some formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hi-tech” in a Sentence
[be] hi-tech[look/sound] hi-tech[invest in] hi-tech[specialise in] hi-techVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hi-tech” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The new hi-tech security system uses facial recognition.
- They moved into a very hi-tech office building in Reading.
American English
- Silicon Valley is the heart of the hi-tech economy.
- The lab was filled with hi-tech diagnostic equipment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to companies or sectors involved in advanced technology development, e.g., 'The government is offering tax breaks for hi-tech startups.'
Academic
Used in economics, sociology, or engineering to discuss technological impact, e.g., 'The study examined labour markets in hi-tech industries.'
Everyday
Describes consumer products like phones, watches, or kitchen appliances, e.g., 'My new hi-tech kettle can be controlled from my phone.'
Technical
Less common in pure engineering; prefers precise terms like 'microprocessor-based' or 'digitally controlled'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hi-tech”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hi-tech”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hi-tech”
- Using 'hi-tech' as a standalone noun (*'He works in hi-tech') – better as 'the hi-tech sector'. Confusing with 'tech' alone, which is broader. Spelling as 'hightech' (should be hyphenated in formal writing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to informal. In very formal writing, 'high technology' or 'advanced technology' may be preferred.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Hi-tech' is a clipped, informal spelling of 'high-tech'. Usage is identical.
Yes, it can describe materials, designs, or architectural styles that use industrial materials like steel and glass to create a futuristic look, even if no computers are involved.
No. 'Tech' is a broad, informal term for technology in general. 'Hi-tech' specifically implies the most advanced and modern end of the technology spectrum.
using or involving the most modern and advanced technology available, especially electronic or digital technology.
Hi-tech: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtɛk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but a common compound]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HI-TECH: 'HI' as in 'high' (advanced) + 'TECH' as in 'technology'. Think of a robot giving a high-five – that's hi-tech.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY IS HEIGHT (high-tech), PROGRESS IS A FORWARD MOVEMENT (cutting-edge).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hi-tech' correctly?