What does higher mean?
Higher is the comparative form of high and is used when comparing height, level, rank, value, degree, or standards. It can describe something physically elevated, as in “a higher mountain,” or something advanced in status, quality, or intensity, as in “higher education” or “a higher price.” Used as an adverb, it indicates movement or orientation toward a greater elevation, such as “fly higher,” and can also modify an adjective in comparisons: “the higher-paying job.” The word is extremely common in both spoken and written English across British and American varieties. Its usefulness lies in its broad range: the same form can compare physical position, economic value, educational level, emotional intensity, and abstract rankings without changing the basic meaning of high.
The comparative form of high, meaning greater in height, level, rank, value, degree, or importance.
"She accepted a higher offer from another company."
Can compare physical elevation, abstract qualities, quantities, or social position.
In or toward a higher position, level, or standard.
"The kite floated higher as the wind strengthened."
Common in constructions such as “higher than,” “rise higher,” and “aim higher.”
From the Old English word for lofty, “higher” has long helped us talk about both climbing physically and advancing socially.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does higher come from?
Higher comes from the Middle English comparative of high, a word inherited from Old English hēah, meaning “tall” or “lofty.” The comparative suffix -er was added during the Middle English period. Cognates include German höher and Dutch hoger, both of which also mean “higher,” while related English forms include highly and height.
Related word forms
How higher is actually used
Higher is the standard comparative of high. It is used with adjectives such as tall, expensive, and educated, and can describe physical elevation, rank, degree, value, or standards. As an adverb, it is especially common with verbs such as climb, rise, and lift.
Easily confused with higher
Higher is the comparative of high, while hire means to employ someone or obtain the temporary use of something for payment.
In a job advertisement, hire refers to an employee or the act of employing someone, whereas higher describes a position, level, or value above another.