What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
steepen
Example
The trail steepened as we approached the summit. [steepened: past tense]
Example
The tension in the room steepened as the argument escalated. [steepened: verb]
heighten
Example
The tower was heightened by adding several more floors. [heightened: past participle]
Example
The music heightened the emotional impact of the scene. [heightened: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heighten is more commonly used than steepen in everyday language. Heighten is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while steepen is less common and refers to specific situations involving changes in slope or angle.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between steepen and heighten?
Both steepen and heighten are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
