High meaning

What does “high” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“high” is a noun, adjective and adverb with 18 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a lofty level or position or degree.

high

noun

  1. a lofty level or position or degree

    “summer temperatures reached an all-time high”

    Oppositeslow
  2. an air mass of higher than normal pressure

    “the east coast benefits from a Bermuda high”

  3. a state of sustained elation

    “I'm on a permanent high these days”

    Oppositeslow spirits
  4. a state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics

    “they took drugs to get a high on”

  5. a high place

    “they stood on high and observed the countryside”

    “he doesn't like heights”

    Synonymsheights
  6. a public secondary school usually including grades 9 through 12

    “he goes to the neighborhood highschool”

  7. a forward gear with a gear ratio that gives the greatest vehicle velocity for a given engine speed

    Synonymshigh gear

adjective

  1. greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

    “a high temperature”

    “a high price”

    Oppositeslow
  2. (literal meaning) being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension (sometimes used in combinations like `knee-high')

    “a high mountain”

    “high ceilings”

    Oppositeslow
  3. standing above others in quality or position

    “people in high places”

    “the high priest”

    Synonymseminent
  4. used of sounds and voices; high in pitch or frequency

    Synonymshigh-pitched
    Oppositeslow
  5. happy and excited and energetic

  6. (used of the smell of meat) smelling spoiled or tainted

    Synonymsgameygamy
  7. slightly and pleasantly intoxicated from alcohol or a drug (especially marijuana)

    Synonymsmellow

adverb

  1. at a great altitude

    “he climbed high on the ladder”

    Synonymshigh up
  2. in or to a high position, amount, or degree

    “prices have gone up far too high”

  3. in a rich manner

    “he lives high”

  4. far up toward the source

    “he lives high up the river”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University