A national school-leaving examination and university entrance qualification.
"After passing her Higher exams, Sarah was finally eligible to apply for engineering degrees at the local universities."
In plain English: In this context, higher is not a noun but an adjective used to describe something that is at a greater level or more advanced than something else.
"The higher was visible above the tree line, offering a clear view of the valley below."
Usage: Use this term primarily in British English to refer specifically to the old general certificate of education (GCE) Advanced Level exams, which are now largely replaced by A-levels or BTECs. Do not confuse it with "highers," a distinct Scottish academic qualification that also exists today; context usually clarifies whether you mean the historical exam title or the current regional degree pathway.
To make higher; to raise or increase in amount or quantity.
"The committee voted to raise the budget limits, which would allow for a significantly higher allocation of funds next year."
In plain English: To make something go up or increase in amount, level, or quality.
"The teacher said she would never get higher than a C on that exam."
Usage: Use "higher" only when describing the physical act of lifting something upward or increasing its level. Do not use it as a verb for abstract concepts like improving quality, which requires words such as "raise," "increase," or "elevate."
comparative form of high: more high
"The price of gas is higher today than it was yesterday."
In plain English: Higher means being at a greater height, level, or degree than something else.
Usage: Use "higher" to compare two levels, positions, or amounts by indicating that one is at a greater elevation or degree than the other. It functions only in comparisons and should not be used to describe an absolute state without reference to something else.
comparative form of high: more high
"The mountain peak is higher than any other in the range."
In plain English: Higher means moving to a level that is physically above something else.
"The plane climbed higher into the sky to avoid the storm."
Usage: Use "higher" as an adverb only when modifying verbs that involve vertical movement or position, such as in "the plane flew higher." Do not use it to describe abstract concepts like quality or intensity; instead, use words like "more" for those cases.
Derived from Old English hēger, this comparative adjective originally meant "more high" or elevated in position. It evolved directly from the base form heah to denote greater altitude, rank, or degree.