high-pass filter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical
Quick answer
What does “high-pass filter” mean?
An electronic circuit or software algorithm that allows signals with a frequency higher than a certain cutoff point to pass through, while attenuating (reducing) lower frequency signals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic circuit or software algorithm that allows signals with a frequency higher than a certain cutoff point to pass through, while attenuating (reducing) lower frequency signals.
In a broader conceptual or metaphorical sense, any system or process that selectively allows 'high' or fast-changing elements to proceed while blocking 'low' or slow-changing elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or orthographic differences. The concept and term are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “high-pass filter” in a Sentence
[verb] + high-pass filter (e.g., apply, use, design)high-pass filter + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., filter on the signal, filter with a cutoff of 100Hz)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-pass filter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll high-pass the signal at 80Hz to remove the rumble.
- Make sure you high-pass that vocal track.
American English
- You should high-pass that microphone feed to cut the wind noise.
- The plugin can high-pass the input automatically.
adjective
British English
- The high-pass filter setting is on page three of the menu.
- Use a high-pass filter circuit for this application.
American English
- Adjust the high-pass filter frequency using the knob.
- This mixer channel lacks a high-pass filter switch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical product specifications or R&D discussions.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, computer science, and audio technology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core, standard term in electronics, signal processing, audio engineering, and related technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high-pass filter”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high-pass filter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-pass filter”
- Misspelling as 'highpass filter' (often acceptable in informal technical writing) or 'high passfilter'.
- Confusing it with a 'low-pass filter' or 'band-pass filter'.
- Using it as a verb without a supporting verb (e.g., 'I need to high-pass filter this' vs. 'I need to apply a high-pass filter to this').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as a hyphenated compound: 'high-pass filter'. In informal technical contexts, it is sometimes seen as one word ('highpass filter').
A coffee filter is a good analogy: it lets the liquid (high-frequency 'signal') pass through while trapping the coffee grounds (low-frequency 'noise').
The direct opposite is a 'low-pass filter', which allows low frequencies to pass while blocking high frequencies.
In the bass roll-off switch on a microphone (to reduce wind/stand noise), in the crossover network of a speaker system (sending highs to the tweeter), and in camera software to reduce noise in images.
High-pass filter is usually technical in register.
High-pass filter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ pɑːs ˈfɪltə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ pæs ˈfɪltər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a security gate at a club that only lets in people who are HIGH enough (tall), PASSing them through, while FILTERing out those who are too short (low).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SIEVE FOR HIGH FREQUENCIES (allows only the fine, fast-changing parts through).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a high-pass filter?