Definition of High
Quick Meaning of High
In a state where drugs or alcohol have affected your mind and behavior; not in your normal condition.
Detailed Definition of High
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol; in an altered mental state from substance use.
How to Pronounce High
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Rhymes with 'sky', 'try', 'dry'. The vowel is a long 'i' sound /aɪ/.
Origin and Etymology of High
How to Use High in a Sentence
Each example shows “high” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“After smoking that joint, he felt high and couldn't focus on the exam.”
-
“Getting high is illegal in many countries, but decriminalized in some.”
-
“She avoided the party because everyone there was getting high.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of High
Common Synonyms for High
Smart Synonyms for High — When to Use Each
- intoxicated
- more formal, applies to alcohol or drugs
- stoned
- colloquial, typically refers to marijuana specifically
Antonyms of High
Common Collocations with High
These phrases pair with “high” in everyday English:
- get high
- feel high
- stay high
- so high
- get really high
Common Mistakes When Using High
Even fluent speakers slip up with “high”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He is high because of his tall height.
- ✓ Correct: He is tall because of his height. (Or: He feels high from smoking.)
- Why: High as 'intoxicated' is not about physical height; use 'tall' for height.
- ✗ Wrong: She was high in her mood.
- ✓ Correct: She was in a happy mood. (Or: She was high from drinking.)
- Why: Use 'happy' for positive emotions; 'high' specifically means intoxicated.
Words Confused With High
- High vs Elevated: Elevated refers to position or status, not intoxication
- High vs Happy: Happy is an emotion; high is a physical/mental state from drugs
Other Forms of High
- Noun: high, highness
- Adjective: high
- Adverb: highly
Frequently Asked Questions About High
What is the meaning of "High"?
In a state where drugs or alcohol have affected your mind and behavior; not in your normal condition.
How do you pronounce "High"?
The IPA is /haɪ/. Rhymes with 'sky', 'try', 'dry'. The vowel is a long 'i' sound /aɪ/.
What part of speech is "High"?
"High" is an adjective at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "High"?
Common synonyms include intoxicated, stoned, under the influence.
How do you use "High" in a sentence?
For example: "After smoking that joint, he felt high and couldn't focus on the exam."