How to Pronounce Higher

To pronounce "higher", say HIGH-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈhaɪə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

higher

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈhaɪə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “higher”

"higher" has 2 syllables: high-er. It rhymes with desire and acquire, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: hyer, heier, hier, hire — easy to mix up when writing.

What does higher mean?

adjective

Very elevated; extending or being far above a base; tall; lofty.
“The balloon rose high in the sky. The wall was high. a high mountain”
Relatively elevated; rising or raised above the average or normal level from which elevation is measured.

adverb

In or to an elevated position.
“How high above land did you fly?”
In or at a great value.
“Costs have grown higher this year again.”

noun

A national school-leaving examination and university entrance qualification.

Antonyms

low

Hear “higher” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with higher

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

desire acquire pyre prior sire fire quagmire enquire require satire transpire attire

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "higher"?▾

"Higher" has 2 syllables: high · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "higher"?▾

The IPA transcription of "higher" is /ˈhaɪə/.

What does "higher" mean?▾

Higher: Very elevated; extending or being far above a base; tall; lofty.

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