enhancement
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛnhˈɑːnsmənt/
US
- /ɛnˈhænsmənt/
Description
- improvement
- making something better
- added value
- better quality
Think of a photograph that needs a small touch to look its best. That is the idea behind enhancement: making something better, improving its quality, or adding value to it. It usually does not mean changing the whole thing. Instead, it means improving what is already there. You might improve your skills through training, or a company might add new features after hearing customer feedback. Sometimes the change is small, like adding a little spice to a dish. Other times it is bigger, like making a car run better.
The word enhancement refers to the act of improving something and making it better, more useful, or more appealing. It often suggests an increase in quality, value, strength, or attractiveness. Unlike a complete remake or replacement, enhancement usually means improving what already exists.
You will often hear about enhancements in technology and product development: "The new software update includes several performance enhancements." But the word is not limited to gadgets. Enhancement can apply to many areas of life, from personal skills ("She took a course for professional enhancement") to appearance ("The lighting gave the room a warm enhancement") to health, sound, images, and services.
It can also be used for something less physical or more abstract. For example, music can be described as an enhancement to a film scene, and extra training can be an enhancement to someone's career. In some formal or technical settings, the word may refer to an added feature, benefit, or improvement built onto something that already exists.
So, whether it is improving a skill, upgrading a product, or adding something extra that raises quality or value, enhancement is about making something better than it was before.
Examples
- 1
Home decor
The new lighting is a nice enhancement to the room.
- 2
Hospitality
The hotel has made several enhancements to its breakfast menu.
- 3
Online security
The latest update includes security enhancements for online payments.
- 4
Photo editing
The app uses image enhancement to sharpen blurry photos.
Domain
image enhancement
technology that improves the quality of a photo or image
- 5
Public image
The campaign focused on the enhancement of the city's public image.
Usage
enhancement of + noun
a more formal way to talk about improving it
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- enhancementnoun
Forms
- enhancementspluralnoun