Definitions
- Describing an increase in the slope or angle of a hill, mountain, or road. - Referring to a sudden or sharp increase in the intensity or degree of something. - Talking about a gradual or steady increase in the level of difficulty or challenge.
- Referring to an increase in the physical height or elevation of something. - Describing an increase in the intensity or degree of a feeling, emotion, or experience. - Talking about an improvement or enhancement in the quality or value of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe an increase in something.
- 2Both words can be used to describe changes in intensity.
- 3Both words can be used to describe changes in degree.
- 4Both words can be used to describe changes in level.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Steepen is used to describe an increase in slope or angle, while heighten is used to describe an increase in intensity or degree.
- 2Physicality: Steepen is typically used to describe physical changes, while heighten can be used for both physical and abstract changes.
- 3Direction: Steepen implies an upward direction, while heighten does not have a directional connotation.
- 4Connotation: Steepen can have a negative connotation, implying difficulty or challenge, while heighten can have a positive connotation, implying improvement or enhancement.
Remember this!
Steepen and heighten are synonyms that describe an increase in something. However, steepen is used to describe an increase in slope or angle, while heighten is used to describe an increase in intensity or degree. Additionally, steepen is typically used for physical changes, while heighten can be used for both physical and abstract changes.
