What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
acerbates
Example
The lack of rain exacerbates the drought conditions. [exacerbates: verb]
Example
His criticism only exacerbates the tension between them. [exacerbates: verb]
heighten
Example
The use of bright colors can heighten the impact of a painting. [heighten: verb]
Example
The suspenseful music heightens the tension in the movie scene. [heightens: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heighten is more commonly used than acerbates in everyday language. Heighten is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while acerbates is less common and typically used in more formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between acerbates and heighten?
Acerbates is more formal and technical than heighten, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
