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Enhance Has Latin Roots
When enhance was borrowed into English in the 13th century, it literally meant to raise something higher. That sense, though now obsolete, provides a clue about the origins of the word. Enhance, which was spelled enhauncen in Middle English, comes to us from Anglo-French enhaucer or enhauncer ("to raise"), which can be traced back to the Latin altus ("high") by way of an assumed Vulgar Latin verb inaltiare, which would have been formed by combining the prefix in- with the Latin altus. Although enhance initially applied only to physically making things higher, it developed an additional and less literal sense of "to exalt especially in rank or spirit," and quickly acquired extended figurative senses for raising the value or attractiveness of something or someone.
Synonyms
Examples of enhance in a Sentence
Dasia Williams, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2024
This combination softens the spice and enhances the floral aspects, creating an elegant and captivating scent that transports you to the heart of Marrakesh’s vibrant markets and floral gardens.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 July 2024
Their hair restoration treatments not only enhance your physical appearance but also promote emotional well-being by improving your overall sense of happiness and contentment.
—Kyle J. Russell, The Arizona Republic, 11 July 2024
As part of its revamp, Vera Bradley is expanding its bag selection with new fabrications and silhouettes, and also enhancing some of its best selling-styles (think duffles and backpacks) in an effort to modernize the shape, fabric and color.
—Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for enhance 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'enhance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Enhance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enhance. Accessed 20 Jul. 2024.
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enhance
verb
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