be higher

[/bi ˈhaɪ.ər/]
verb phrase
ser mais alto; estar mais alto
1. to have greater height or elevation than something or someone else
The mountain is higher than the hill.
A montanha é mais alta que o morro.
2. to be at a greater altitude or distance from the ground
The plane is flying higher today.
O avião está voando mais alto hoje.
3. to be greater in degree, intensity, or amount
The temperature will be higher tomorrow.
A temperatura será mais alta amanhã.
4. to have greater rank, status, or position
He has a higher position in the company.
Ele tem uma posição mais alta na empresa.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'be higher' is commonly used metaphorically to indicate progress, ambition, or increased standards. In professional environments across both cultures, it frequently refers to career advancement and status. The phrase is also used literally in everyday speech regarding physical positioning and elevation.
NYC Slang
up there; reaching higher
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be tallerbe elevatedbe superiorexceed
Antonyms / Antônimos
be lowerbe shorterbe inferiordecline

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser mais alto; estar mais alto
standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser/estar mais alto
common in colloquial speech
São Paulo
ser/estar mais elevado
more formal variant used in business contexts
Portugal
ser mais alto; estar mais elevado
similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

heightaltitudeelevationsuperiorrankposition

Related Idioms & Phrases

reach higher
aim higher
climb higher
set the bar higher
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