highest
highest — adjective
1. the greatest in measurement from the bottom to the top, or the farthest up from
the greatest in measurement from the bottom to the top, or the farthest up from the ground — for example, the highest shelf in a cupboard or the highest mountain in a range.
The old wooden clock sat on the highest shelf, out of reach of the children.
the highest + noun for physical position
Among all the buildings in the city, the Watanabe Tower is the highest.
During the storm, floodwater reached the highest point it had ever touched on the garden wall.
Dr. Okafor measured each child's height and wrote down who was the highest in the class.
The night-shift nurse placed the emergency medicine on the highest tray in the supply cart.
文法句型
the highest + noun
noun + is/are the highest
用法筆記
Commonly used with concrete nouns such as shelf, floor, branch, peak, level, or point. The noun can be omitted when the context is clear: 'Which shelf is the highest?'
常見錯誤
2. greater than all others when measured in level, amount, price, rate, or degree —
greater than all others when measured in level, amount, price, rate, or degree — for example, the highest temperature recorded in summer or the highest price paid for a painting at auction.
The temperature reached its highest level in forty years during the July heatwave.
collocation: highest level / highest temperature
Nadia's offer of thirty thousand dollars was the highest the seller received all week.
Companies in that region pay the highest salaries to attract skilled engineers from overseas.
The highest score on the maths exam belonged to Wei, who answered every question correctly.
Passengers must pay the highest fare if they board the express train without a reservation.
文法句型
the highest + noun (level/rate/price/temperature)
用法筆記
Followed by nouns that denote measurable quantities: level, rate, price, cost, temperature, score, speed, dose, degree, rank. Often used in reporting contexts (weather, finance, sports).
常見錯誤
3. containing the greatest amount of a particular substance or ingredient when comp
containing the greatest amount of a particular substance or ingredient when compared to other things of the same type — for example, a food that is highest in vitamin C among all fruit.
Kale and broccoli are the vegetables highest in iron among common greens.
pattern: highest in + substance
The lab report showed that the soil near the river had the highest concentration of lead.
Doctors recommend foods highest in fibre for patients who suffer from digestion problems.
Among all the samples tested, the one from the factory had the highest level of air pollution.
Fatima chose a shampoo that is highest in natural oils to help her dry hair.
- richest
more informal; suggests abundance rather than exact measurement
- most concentrated
used when the substance is dissolved or mixed in a liquid
文法句型
highest in + noun
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'in + substance/ingredient'. Common in health, science, and product-comparison contexts. 'Highest in' can come after the noun it modifies (e.g., 'a food highest in vitamin C').
4. having the best or most admirable moral standards, principles, or qualities — fo
having the best or most admirable moral standards, principles, or qualities — for example, a judge who is known for the highest integrity, or a school that sets the highest expectations for student honesty.
The charity holds itself to the highest standards of honesty and openness when handling donations.
collocation: highest standards
Aunt Rosa believed that treating others with kindness was the highest virtue a person could develop.
The university expects the highest level of academic honesty from every student in the programme.
In her speech, the principal praised the students for showing the highest respect toward visiting guests.
The lawyer was known throughout the city for his highest sense of duty and fairness in every case.
- lowest
when referring to moral standards
文法句型
the highest + noun (standard/ideal/principle)
用法筆記
Typically modifies abstract nouns such as standard, quality, ideal, principle, integrity, virtue, honour, or morality. Frequently used in formal writing about ethics, education, and professional conduct.
5. blowing at the greatest speed or with the greatest force — used only of wind. Fo
blowing at the greatest speed or with the greatest force — used only of wind. For example, the highest winds recorded during a typhoon can reach well over two hundred kilometres per hour.
The highest winds of the season pushed trees sideways and tore tiles off the village roofs.
collocation: highest winds
Meteorologists warned that the highest gusts could reach one hundred and fifty kilometres per hour.
During the storm, the highest wind speed recorded was at the coastal weather station in Hualien.
The ferry service was cancelled because the highest winds made the sea crossing too dangerous for passengers.
Farmers covered their crops with netting after hearing that the highest wind force would arrive before midnight.
- lightest
used of gentle wind
文法句型
the highest wind + noun (speed/force)
用法筆記
Nearly always paired with the nouns 'wind' or 'gust'. When used without 'wind' (e.g., 'the highest recorded'), the context must already be about weather. Not used for other natural forces such as waves or currents.
6. having the greatest power, rank, authority, or social position in an organisatio
having the greatest power, rank, authority, or social position in an organisation or society — for example, the highest official in a government department or the highest-ranking officer in the army.
The highest judge in the country delivered the final decision on the constitutional dispute.
collocation: highest + authority role
Elena spent twenty years working her way up to the highest position in the publishing company.
Only the highest-ranking officers in the navy are allowed to attend the annual strategy meeting.
The village elders held the highest authority when it came to settling land disputes among families.
As the highest representative of the student council, Hiroshi was invited to speak at the graduation ceremony.
- lowest
when referring to rank or position
文法句型
the highest + noun (rank/position/authority)
用法筆記
Commonly followed by role nouns: official, authority, representative, command, office, level. 'Highest-ranking' is a common compound form used before the noun. 'Highest' alone can also serve as a post-modifier: 'the official highest in the department'.
常見錯誤
7. at the top of the range of audible frequencies — for example, the highest note a
at the top of the range of audible frequencies — for example, the highest note a soprano can sing or the highest setting on a violin string. Used of sounds, voices, and musical instruments.
The piano teacher asked Amara to play the highest note on the keyboard three times in a row.
collocation: highest note
Among all the singers in the choir, Chen's voice could reach the highest pitch without breaking.
The violinist tightened her bow and produced the highest possible sound from the string.
Dogs can hear sounds at a much higher frequency than humans, but even they cannot hear the highest ultrasonic signals.
When Olu hit the highest drumbeat, the entire audience sat up in their seats, startled by the loud crack.
文法句型
the highest + noun (note/pitch/frequency)
用法筆記
Especially common in music contexts with 'note', 'pitch', 'frequency', or 'octave'. For voices, 'highest register' describes the vocal range. The opposite is 'lowest' or 'deepest'.
8. smelling or tasting bad because it is no longer fresh — used of meat, fish, or p
smelling or tasting bad because it is no longer fresh — used of meat, fish, or poultry that has started to decay. A piece of meat that is highest is the most spoiled among several pieces.
The butcher set aside the pieces of chicken that smelled highest and threw them into the disposal bin.
used of meat/poultry; British usage
Before cooking, the chef always checks which piece of fish is highest and sets it aside for disposal.
Of all the cuts of beef in the fridge, the one at the back was highest and gave off a sour odour.
The health inspector noticed that several lamb chops were highest and ordered the restaurant to discard them immediately.
Grandmother always said that if the venison smells highest, it is not safe to eat even after boiling.
- most spoiled
general; works for all food types
- gamey-est
specifically for meat that is intentionally aged for flavour
文法句型
noun + is/are highest
用法筆記
Primarily British English. Not used for fruits, vegetables, or dairy products. 'High' in this sense is sometimes called 'gamey' when referring to intentionally aged meat. The comparative is 'higher' and superlative 'highest'.
常見錯誤
9. under the strongest influence of an illegal drug, so that thinking and behaviour
under the strongest influence of an illegal drug, so that thinking and behaviour are most affected — for example, a person who is highest after smoking marijuana and cannot hold a normal conversation.
Theo was the highest of the group and could not stop laughing at ordinary comments.
informal register; slang sense
The night-club bouncer refused entry to two customers who looked highest from taking pills earlier.
Among the friends at the party, Ines was the highest and kept talking about colours she imagined on the ceiling.
The documentary showed how people who are highest often lose track of time and forget where they are.
When the police arrived, they found one man who was clearly the highest and could barely stand up straight.
- most stoned
slang, especially for marijuana
- most wasted
slang; can refer to alcohol or drugs
文法句型
noun + be highest
用法筆記
Slang, not appropriate in formal writing. Used with the verb 'be' (is/was/got highest). 'High' in this sense can also mean intoxicated by alcohol, but 'highest' more commonly refers to drugs. Context usually signals which substance is meant.
10. feeling the most extreme happiness, excitement, and energy — for example, the mo
feeling the most extreme happiness, excitement, and energy — for example, the moment after winning a competition when a runner feels highest with joy and adrenaline.
After she received the scholarship news, Linnea felt the highest she had ever felt in her life.
The crowd was highest when their team scored the winning goal in the last minute of extra time.
be highest + emotional context
Amara felt highest on stage while the audience clapped and cheered for her violin solo performance.
The Okonkwo family felt the highest they had ever felt when they received news that the baby had been born safely.
Volunteers felt highest after seeing the smiles on the faces of the children they had helped.
- most elated
more formal than 'highest' in this sense
- most thrilled
focuses on excitement about a specific event
- lowest
in mood or spirits
文法句型
noun + be highest
feel highest
用法筆記
Not followed by a noun — used after the verb 'be' or 'feel'. Describes a temporary emotional state, not a personality trait. 'On a high' is a related noun phrase with the same meaning.
常見錯誤
highest — noun
1. a number, amount, or level that is greater than any previously reached — for exa
a number, amount, or level that is greater than any previously reached — for example, when the stock market reaches a new highest or temperatures climb to an all-time highest.
House prices in the area reached an all-time highest last month, making it hard for young families to buy.
collocation: all-time highest
The river level rose to its highest in fifty years after three days of continuous rainfall.
Tourist numbers hit a new highest this summer, with over two million visitors arriving in July alone.
The company's profits climbed to a historic highest, surprising analysts who had expected a decline.
At its highest, the unemployment rate in the region was nearly twelve percent before the new policies took effect.
文法句型
reach a/the highest
at its highest
用法筆記
Commonly used in finance, weather, and statistics. Often preceded by modifiers: 'an all-time highest', 'a record highest', 'a historic highest'. The phrase 'at its highest' is a fixed structure meaning 'when it reached the maximum'.
常見錯誤
2. a short period during which a person feels extremely happy, excited, and full of
a short period during which a person feels extremely happy, excited, and full of energy, often caused by a success, an achievement, drugs, or alcohol — for example, the highest that runners feel after finishing a marathon.
Winning the science competition gave Elena a natural highest that lasted for several days.
natural highest — from achievement, not drugs
The band members were still on a highest from last night's concert when they arrived at the airport.
collocation: on a highest
After her first gallery opening, the painter was on a highest that made her want to create more art than ever before.
After the final exam, the students were on a highest and celebrated by going out for dinner together.
The pilot described the feeling of flying solo for the first time as the greatest highest he had ever known.
- low
a period of sadness or depression
文法句型
a/the highest
on a highest
用法筆記
When referring to drug-induced euphoria, context makes this clear (e.g., 'a drug highest', 'a marijuana highest'). The phrase 'on a highest' is fixed: 'The team was on a highest after the victory.'
3. a place that is raised above the surrounding land, such as a hill, knoll, or rid
a place that is raised above the surrounding land, such as a hill, knoll, or ridge — for example, the highest of the moor where shepherds can see the whole valley below.
The shepherd led his sheep up to the highest of the meadow, where the grass was still green and fresh.
From the highest of the ridge, the hikers could see both the ocean and the mountain range at the same time.
The castle was built on the highest of the valley so that guards could spot approaching enemies from far away.
Elena climbed to the highest of the dune and watched the sun set over the desert.
Villagers gathered at the highest of the hill every year to celebrate the harvest festival under the open sky.
- summit
specifically the top of a mountain or hill
- high ground
military or strategic context
文法句型
the highest of + place
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'the highest of + location' where location is a geographical area. The plural 'the highs' is more common in general usage; 'the highest' as a noun for a single elevated spot is somewhat literary.
4. the gear of a car, truck, or other vehicle that allows it to travel at the great
the gear of a car, truck, or other vehicle that allows it to travel at the greatest speed for a given engine rotation — for example, shifting into highest on the highway to save fuel while cruising at a steady speed.
Once the truck reached the highway, the driver shifted into highest and maintained a steady speed.
collocation: shift into highest
The car runs most efficiently in highest gear on long, flat roads with few stops.
Learning to shift into highest at the right moment saves fuel and reduces engine wear over time.
On steep mountain roads, drivers rarely use highest because climbing requires more power at lower speeds.
Theo's driving instructor told him to stay in highest on the motorway and avoid unnecessary braking.
文法句型
in highest
shift into highest
用法筆記
Often used without article: 'in highest', 'shift into highest'. 'Top gear' is a common synonym in British English. In automatic cars, 'highest' corresponds to the highest-numbered gear (e.g., 5th, 6th, or 8th gear).
常見錯誤
highest — adverb
1. at or to the greatest distance above the ground — for example, of all the birds
at or to the greatest distance above the ground — for example, of all the birds in the sky, the eagle flies the highest, or the shelf that is fixed the highest on the wall among several shelves.
Among all the children, Hiroshi could throw the ball the highest because he used his whole arm.
pattern: throw/jump/reach the highest
The kite flew highest when the wind picked up and carried it above the treetops.
Of all the birds on the island, the white-tailed eagle soars highest over the cliffs.
The rescue team positioned the drone to hover highest so it could spot the lost hikers from above.
Linnea jumped highest among her teammates during the volleyball practice, easily blocking the ball.
文法句型
verb + the highest
the highest of all
用法筆記
Often preceded by 'the' in comparisons: 'jump the highest', 'fly the highest'. The definite article is optional in informal contexts: 'Who can jump highest?' Both forms are correct.
2. in the most rich, comfortable, or luxurious manner — for example, a family that
in the most rich, comfortable, or luxurious manner — for example, a family that lives the highest by owning houses in several countries.
After the inheritance, the Okonkwo family began to live the highest, travelling and staying at fine hotels.
literary; collocation: live the highest
The novelist described how the royal family lived highest while the townspeople struggled through the famine.
In her memoirs, the actress described how the rich celebrities lived highest while the crew struggled on low pay.
Amara believed that those who serve others live highest, not those who collect the most money.
- most luxuriously
more neutral in tone; not literary
- best
informal: 'living the best life'
- lowest
in the humblest or poorest manner
文法句型
live highest
用法筆記
A literary or formal usage. 'Live highest' is found in novels, speeches, and philosophical writing rather than everyday conversation. The phrase 'live high' without '-est' is more common in informal American English.