High
/haɪ/
Definitions
5 meaningsExtending a great distance upwards; far above the ground or base.
/haɪ/
Being a great vertical distance or above a surface.
The mountain was high, covered in snow.
💡 Simply: Something is 'high' when it's way up above something else. Like when you look up and see a bird flying far above your head!
👶 For kids: Means something is up in the air, like a tall tree or a bird flying!
More Examples
The bird soared high above the trees.
She set the shelf high on the wall.
How It's Used
"The plane flew high in the sky."
"High potential energy is associated with a high position."
Of a great degree, intensity, or level.
/haɪ/
Relating to a great or significant degree.
The price of gas is high.
💡 Simply: When things are 'high' in this way, it means there's a lot of something. Like high prices in a store or feeling very happy (high spirits)!
👶 For kids: Means a lot of something, like a big number or feeling very happy.
More Examples
She experienced a high level of stress.
The team showed a high level of skill.
How It's Used
"Inflation is at a high level."
"She was feeling high spirits after the good news."
Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
/haɪ/
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
He admitted to being high on marijuana.
💡 Simply: This 'high' is when someone has taken drugs and their mind or body isn't working normally.
👶 For kids: Means someone feels dizzy or not thinking clearly because they took medicine or something else they shouldn't have.
More Examples
She looked high and giggled uncontrollably.
The police arrested him for driving while high.
How It's Used
"He was high at the party."
A state of euphoria, often caused by drugs or alcohol.
/haɪ/
A state of euphoria caused by drugs or alcohol.
He chased the high for years.
💡 Simply: This 'high' is when someone has taken drugs and they feel very happy or have a strong feeling, and their mind or body isn't working normally.
👶 For kids: Means someone feels dizzy or not thinking clearly because they took medicine or something else they shouldn't have.
More Examples
She was addicted to the high.
How It's Used
"She craved the high from the drug."
At or to a great height; far above the ground or base.
/haɪ/
At or to a great height.
The bird soared high above the mountains.
💡 Simply: When something goes 'high', it means it's going way up, like a ball thrown up in the air!
👶 For kids: Means something goes up, up, up!
More Examples
The plane climbed high into the clouds.
How It's Used
"The kite flew high in the sky."
Synonyms
Elevated
Great
Buzzed
Drugged
Buzz
Euphoria
Aloft
Idioms & expressions
high and mighty
Arrogant and superior; haughty.
"She acted high and mighty, looking down on everyone else."
on a high
Feeling very happy and excited, often because of a success or achievement.
"After winning the game, the team was on a high."
high five
A gesture of celebration or greeting, where two people slap their open hands together above their heads.
"They gave each other a high five after completing the project."
From Old English hēah, hēah, from Proto-Germanic *hauhaz. Cognate with Dutch hoog, German hoch, and Swedish hög.
Used extensively since Old English, with consistent meanings related to elevation and degree.
Memory tip
Imagine a tall building reaching for the clouds; it's high!