heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increase or intensification of a particular quality or state, often in contexts related to emotions, awareness, or conditions. Example: "The heightened sense of urgency in the room was palpable as the deadline approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

All this adds to heightened understanding, heightened interest and heightened value.

Forbes

"Everyone's awareness is heightened".

The New York Times - Arts

This ritual heightened Beck's anxiety.

The New Yorker

Everything had been so heightened.

The New York Times - Magazine

Your emotions are surely heightened.

The New Yorker

The Americans heightened the pressure.

The New York Times

They had acquired heightened attention.

The New York Times - Science

Other attributes heightened its allure.

The New York Times

Instead, he heightened his attacks.

The New Yorker

"Life is just around these heightened moments.

The New Yorker

The dismal economy has heightened political discontent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heightened" to describe an amplified state of emotions, senses, or awareness. It suggests a more intense or sensitive condition than usual.

Common error

Avoid using "heightened" when a simpler word like "increased" or "raised" would suffice. "Heightened" is most effective when conveying a sense of intensification or elevation beyond the ordinary.

Linguistic Context

The word "heightened" primarily functions as an adjective or a past participle of the verb 'heighten'. As Ludwig AI states, the examples show how the word describes an elevated or intensified state, condition, or feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heightened" functions as an adjective or past participle, serving to denote an elevated or intensified state across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is grammatically correct and common in usage, particularly within News & Media. When considering alternatives, options like "increased", "intensified", and "enhanced" can offer nuanced substitutions depending on the specific shade of meaning intended. While versatile, it's best to reserve "heightened" for situations where a genuine sense of amplification or intensification is meant to be conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased

A general term for making something larger or more intense.

intensified

More specifically refers to making something stronger or more acute.

amplified

Suggests an increase in magnitude or effect.

enhanced

Implies an improvement or augmentation of something.

exaggerated

Indicates an overstatement or an increase beyond normal bounds.

sharpened

Focuses on making something clearer or more distinct.

stepped up

Informal term suggesting an increase in effort or activity.

worsened

Implies that an negative attribute has had a significant increase.

escalated

Suggests a rapid or dramatic increase, often in conflict or tension.

augmented

Similar to enhanced, implying something is added to improve the thing.

FAQs

How can "heightened" be used in a sentence?

The word "heightened" is commonly used to describe an amplified state of emotions, awareness, or senses. For example, "The crisis "heightened" the tension in the room".

What are some alternatives to "heightened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "increased", "intensified", or "enhanced".

Is it correct to use "heightened" to describe a negative situation?

Yes, "heightened" can be used to describe negative situations, such as "The risk of flooding was "heightened" by the recent rainfall".

What's the difference between "heightened" and "increased"?

"Heightened" implies a greater degree of intensity or sensitivity than simply "increased". While "increased" refers to a general rise in quantity or level, "heightened" suggests an elevation or amplification of a particular quality or state.