higher

Everyday

1. Higher means more high, further up from the ground than something else. tree →
2. Higher means bigger in number or amount: a higher score, a higher price. tree →
3. Higher means more important or more advanced: a higher level, higher maths. tree →
4. A higher sound is a sharper, thinner one, like a whistle. tree →

In the lessons

compares two amounts: one is more than the other; «how much higher» asks for the difference; in science: higher temperatures, a higher note from a shorter string; in geography: higher land is colder; phrases: «higher than», «aim higher», «higher and higher»

Examples

• The tower is 20 metres higher than the house. tree →
• Her score was 15 points higher than Tom's. tree →
• How much higher is the price this year? tree →
• The kite flew higher than the balloon. tree →
• The higher you climb up a mountain, the colder it gets. tree →
• A short string makes a higher note. tree →
• She jumped higher than anyone in the class. tree →
• Prices are higher in the city. tree →
• The water rose higher and higher. tree →

Note

A comparison: «higher than» with a number gives an addition (smaller + difference); «how much higher» asks for a subtraction. Trap: «A is 5 higher than B» – find B by taking 5 from A, not adding. Homophone: «hire» sounds the same.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah's later readers speak of a "higher form" as a more spiritual source from which lower things come. Isaiah says God's ways and thoughts are "higher" than ours, and tradition reads this as meaning that people cannot fully understand God. In the primary lessons: compares two amounts: one is more than the other; «how much higher» asks for the difference; in science: higher temperatures, a higher note from a shorter string; in geography: higher land is colder; phrases: «higher than», «aim higher», «higher and higher»

Examples

• The stranger that is in the midst of thee shall mount up above thee higher and higher; and thou shalt come down lower and lower. (Torah DEU.28.43, JPS 1917) tree →
• Water shall flow from his branches, and his seed shall be in many waters; and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. (Torah NUM.24.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• "Every element has its source from a higher form, and all things have their common origin from the Word (Logos), the Holy Spirit. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the skies, which are higher than thou. (Writings JOB.35.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Prophets ISA.55.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they ran and fetched him thence; and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. (Prophets 1SA.10.23, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A comparison: «higher than» with a number gives an addition (smaller + difference); «how much higher» asks for a subtraction. Trap: «A is 5 higher than B» – find B by taking 5 from A, not adding. Homophone: «hire» sounds the same.