high

Far above the ground or another surface.

• The shelf is too high.
• Clouds were high above the hills.
• That window is higher than the others.

How to use it: high above something (The nest is high above the path.)

Similar words: elevated

Opposites: low

Common phrases: a high shelf, a high window, high above something

With a top that reaches a long way above the bottom or ground.

• They built a high fence.
• How high is that mountain?
• The tower was higher than every nearby building.

How to use it: number + unit of length + high (The wall is three metres high.)

Similar words: tall, lofty

Opposites: low

Common phrases: a high wall, a high mountain, two metres high, a high tower

Having great importance, power, or quality compared with others.

• The school has high standards.
• She held a high position in government.
• The case went to the highest court.

Similar words: superior, elevated

Opposites: low

Common phrases: high quality, high standards, high office, high priority

Feeling or behaving differently because you have taken drugs.

• He got high at the party.
• She seemed high on drugs.
• Were they high when they drove home?

How to use it: high on something (He was high on cannabis.)

Similar words: stoned, intoxicated

Opposites: sober

Common phrases: get high, high on drugs, feel high

Describing a sound like a whistle, rather than a deep sound like a large drum.

• She has a high voice.
• That note is too high for me.
• The bird’s call became higher and sharper.

Similar words: high-pitched, shrill

Opposites: low, deep

Common phrases: a high note, a high voice, a high pitch

At or towards a place far above the ground or another surface.

• The birds flew high.
• How high can you jump?
• Smoke rose higher than the trees.

How to use it: high above something (The plane flew high above the sea.)

Similar words: far up, aloft

Opposites: low

Common phrases: fly high, jump high, high above something

At or towards a large amount, price, or value.

• They bought low and sold high.
• The shares traded higher this morning.
• How high will you bid for the painting?

Opposites: low

Common phrases: sell high, bid high, trade high

A highest point or an especially successful or happy moment.

• Winning the prize was a personal high.
• The team enjoyed many highs that season.
• Ticket sales reached a new high.

Similar words: peak, high point

Opposites: low

Common phrases: a career high, highs and lows, a new high