high

The word "high" is an adjective that you can use to describe a vertical distance, from the bottom to the top.

• Planes fly high above the earth.
• The sun is high in the early afternoon.
• That building is 56 stories high. (stories = levels)
• It’s a high-rise. (a tall building)
• How high can you jump?
• How high are gas prices where you live?
• If something is too high, you might have to use a ladder or a step ladder to reach it.
• Some women like to wear high-heeled shoes because it makes them feel taller.
• Athena is wearing high heels today.

high heels

• The sun is higher in the sky in the afternoon than it is in the morning or evening.
• A mountain is higher than a hill.
• A CEO usually makes the highest salary in a corporation. (CEO = chief executive officer
• The students with the highest grades in the school will be recognized at an awards ceremony.

We also use the word "high" to describe a large amount or a large concentration of something.

• Breakfast cereal that is high in fiber is good for your digestive system.
• If your blood pressure is too high, you might have a heart attack.
• Eggs are high in protein, but they’re also high in cholesterol.
• People who work with high technology need special skills and experience. (high technology = advanced computers, machines, and gadgets)
• This store specializes in high-end jewelry. (high- end = excellent quality and expensive)

The word "highly" is an adverb. In this case, it’s similar to other adverbs such as "really" and "very."

• All of the teachers think very highly of Theresa because she’s smart and a good student.
• Alonzo was highly recommended for this position. (Other people said good things about him.)
• We need someone who is highly qualified to teach at our school.
• It’s highly likely that we’re going to get rain today. (highly likely = very likely, very possible)
• Some children are highly sensitive to peanuts.

There are some expressions and slang that use the word "high."

• Ever since Rodney won the lottery, he’s been living high. (live high = to have money and spend it on luxury items)
• The police pulled the man over because they thought he was high. (high = drunk, stoned, or on drugs)
• That’s very high tech. (high technology)
• High five! (Slap my hand to celebrate something)

Note: The word "high" is the opposite of low.

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January 10, 2016