When enhance was borrowed into English in the 13th century, it literally meant to raise something higher. That sense, though now obsolete, provides a clue about the origins of the word. Enhance, which was spelled enhauncen in Middle English, comes to us from Anglo-Frenchenhaucer or enhauncer ("to raise"), which can be traced back to the Latin altus ("high") by way of an assumed Vulgar Latin verb inaltiare, which would have been formed by combining the prefix in- with the Latin altus. Although enhance initially applied only to physically making things higher, it developed an additional and less literal sense of "to exalt especially in rank or spirit," and quickly acquired extended figurative senses for raising the value or attractiveness of something or someone.
You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs.
The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail.
The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.
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Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area.—Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 The Mach 1 boots also use a polyurethane plastic with a thickness adjusted to enhance vibration damping and stability.—Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 Insulet continues to focus on expanding its product offerings and enhancing its customer experience through digital capabilities.—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Finally, enhance home security with the Blink Outdoor 4 at 62% off—easy to install, Alexa-friendly, and equipped with sharp 1080p video.—Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enhance
Word History
Etymology
Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high — more at old
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