high place: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Technical (Archaeology/Religion)
Quick answer
What does “high place” mean?
A physically elevated location, such as a hill, mountaintop, or elevated area. In religion and archaeology, a raised site for worship, often an open-air altar.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A physically elevated location, such as a hill, mountaintop, or elevated area. In religion and archaeology, a raised site for worship, often an open-air altar.
A position of authority, prestige, power, or moral superiority. Figuratively, a state of achievement or prominence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The hyphenated form is slightly more common in British archaeological texts.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotations are elevation (literal/figurative) and historical/religious ritual sites.
Frequency
Low frequency in general conversation. More common in religious, historical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “high place” in a Sentence
The [ANCIENT/CANANITE] high place was used for [WORSHIP/SACRIFICE].She has achieved a high place in [HER FIELD/THE COMPANY].They built the temple on a high place overlooking the [VALLEY/CITY].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high place” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The high-place sanctuary was excavated last summer.
- They studied high-place rituals.
American English
- The high-place altar was made of unhewn stone.
- High-place worship was common in the region.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The firm holds a high place in the industry rankings.'
Academic
Common in Archaeology, Religious Studies, and History to denote ancient open-air cultic sites.
Everyday
Uncommon. Mostly used figuratively: 'He holds a high place in my affections.'
Technical
Specific term in Levantine archaeology for a Canaanite or Israelite cultic installation (bamah).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high place”
- Using it as a single word ('highplace'). Confusing it with 'highlight'. Using the literal sense where 'hilltop' or 'vantage point' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a noun phrase, written as two separate words. It is sometimes hyphenated (high-place) when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., a high-place altar).
Figuratively, to denote a position of high status, authority, or esteem. The literal/archaeological sense is specialized.
Yes, particularly in Biblical archaeology and studies of ancient Levantine religions, it refers to a raised, open-air cultic site, often called a 'bamah' in Hebrew.
It would be unusual and potentially confusing. 'High place' implies a natural or purpose-built elevated area of land, not a structure. Use 'tall building', 'skyscraper', or 'high-rise' instead.
A physically elevated location, such as a hill, mountaintop, or elevated area. In religion and archaeology, a raised site for worship, often an open-air altar.
High place is usually formal, literary, technical (archaeology/religion) in register.
High place: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpleɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈpleɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fall from a high place (figurative downfall)”
- “A high place in someone's esteem.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'high' king on his 'place' (throne) on top of a hill, both physically high and in a position of power.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE/STATUS IS UP (e.g., 'high office', 'high standing'). MORAL/SPIRITUAL CLARITY IS UP (e.g., 'high ideals', 'high place of worship').
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'a high place' most commonly refers to: