heightened sense

USAGE SUMMARY

"heightened sense" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It means to have a greater natural awareness or sensitivity of something. For example, "She had a heightened sense of smell, allowing her to detect even the faintest scent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Johnson-Odom attributed the sharpshooting to players' heightened sense on the Garden stage.

The New York Times

And you just have this heightened sense that something's amiss.

The New Yorker

Nothing!" Red Hook Summer is typically stylised, with Lee's trademark heightened sense of colour and sound.

Independent

The number of injuries is kept in check by their maturity and heightened sense of caution.

The New York Times

Parents feel a particularly heightened sense of scrutiny, says Donnan.

Forbes

He stressed no heightened sense of alarm.

Los Angeles Times

It gives young Asian-American men a really heightened sense of possibility".

Vice

Such effects include difficulties, intrusive imagery, heightened sense of vulnerability, difficulty trusting others, and emotional numbing".

BMC Psychiatry

It provides a heightened sense of dimensionality".

The New York Times

There's a heightened sense toward them".

The New York Times - Sports

There was a heightened sense of fear.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heightened sense" to describe an increased awareness or sensitivity, especially in situations where such awareness is crucial or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "heightened sense" in overly general or abstract situations where the increased awareness is not clearly defined. Be specific about what sense or awareness is heightened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heightened sense" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate an amplified or intensified perception, feeling, or awareness. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe increased sensory perception, emotional states, or cognitive understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heightened sense" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes an amplified or intensified awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase is versatile and conveys a stronger or more acute perception, feeling, or understanding. While it's important to use it precisely, avoiding vague situations, alternatives like "sharpened perception" or "enhanced sensitivity" can be considered for nuance. Overall, "heightened sense" is a valuable term for emphasizing intensity and importance in descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased awareness

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of being more conscious or informed.

sharpened perception

Emphasizes the clarity and detail with which something is perceived.

enhanced sensitivity

Highlights the increased ability to detect or respond to stimuli.

keener intuition

Suggests an improved ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.

elevated consciousness

Implies a state of greater awareness, often with spiritual or philosophical connotations.

intensified feeling

Focuses on the emotional aspect of having a stronger sensation.

acute sensitivity

Implies a particularly strong and precise ability to detect subtle changes or stimuli.

deeper understanding

Focuses on improved comprehension and insight into a particular subject.

magnified awareness

Suggests that the awareness has been amplified or made more prominent.

refined sensibility

Implies a cultivated and sophisticated sense of taste or perception.

FAQs

How can I use "heightened sense" in a sentence?

You can use "heightened sense" to describe an increased awareness of something. For example, "After the accident, he had a "heightened sense" of danger."

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

"Heightened sense" often refers to an amplified sensory perception, while "increased awareness" is a more general term for being more conscious or informed.

What can I say instead of "heightened sense"?

Alternatives include "sharpened perception", "enhanced sensitivity", or "keener intuition", depending on the specific context.

Is "heightened sense" a formal or informal expression?

"Heightened sense" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a common and well-understood phrase.