B1 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

high temperature

Great heat or warmth

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe intense heat in weather, bodies, or objects.
  • A polite, clear way to say someone has a fever.
  • Common in scientific, medical, and everyday weather contexts.

Meaning

This phrase refers to a measurement of heat that is significantly above average. You use it to talk about the weather, a fever, or even the setting on your oven.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Checking on a sick friend

You look a bit flushed; do you have a high temperature?

You look a bit flushed; do you have a high temperature?

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2

Discussing the summer weather

The forecast predicts a high temperature of 40 degrees today.

The forecast predicts a high temperature of 40 degrees today.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Reading a cooking recipe

Sear the steak at a high temperature to lock in the juices.

Sear the steak at a high temperature to lock in the juices.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

A high temperature is a standard reason for missing work. Oven settings are standardized globally.

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Precision

Use 'high temperature' when you want to sound professional.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe intense heat in weather, bodies, or objects.
  • A polite, clear way to say someone has a fever.
  • Common in scientific, medical, and everyday weather contexts.

What It Means

High temperature is a straightforward way to say something is very hot. It describes the physical state of the air, an object, or a person's body. Think of it as the opposite of a low temperature. It is clear, logical, and easy to understand.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase as a noun. It often follows verbs like have, reach, or record. For example, you might say, "The oven reached a high temperature quickly." If you are sick, you might tell a friend, "I have a high temperature today." It sounds a bit more clinical than saying "I have a fever," but everyone will understand you. Just don't use it to describe spicy food—that is hot or spicy, not a high temperature!

When To Use It

Use it when you want to be specific about heat levels. It is perfect for weather reports or scientific discussions. It works well in professional settings like a kitchen or a laboratory. You can also use it when talking to a doctor about your health. It feels natural when you are reading a manual for an appliance.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this phrase to describe a person's personality. If someone is angry, they are hot-headed, not high temperature. Don't use it for romantic attraction either. Saying someone is high temperature sounds like they need a doctor, not a date! Also, remember that boiling is better for water, and scorching is better for a very sunny day.

Cultural Background

In many English-speaking cultures, talking about the weather is the ultimate icebreaker. Mentioning a high temperature is a safe way to start a conversation with a stranger. In the US, people use Fahrenheit, while almost everywhere else uses Celsius. This often leads to total confusion during international travel!

Common Variations

You will often hear people say running a temp when they are sick. In weather contexts, people might say record highs instead. In technical manuals, you might see extreme heat. If you want to sound more casual with friends, just say "It's roasting!" or "I'm burning up!"

Usage Notes

This phrase is safe for all contexts. It is the most common way to describe heat objectively. Just remember to use 'high' and not 'large' or 'big'.

💡

Precision

Use 'high temperature' when you want to sound professional.

Examples

6
#1 Checking on a sick friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

You look a bit flushed; do you have a high temperature?

You look a bit flushed; do you have a high temperature?

A gentle way to ask if someone has a fever.

#2 Discussing the summer weather
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

The forecast predicts a high temperature of 40 degrees today.

The forecast predicts a high temperature of 40 degrees today.

Standard way to discuss daily weather peaks.

#3 Reading a cooking recipe
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Sear the steak at a high temperature to lock in the juices.

Sear the steak at a high temperature to lock in the juices.

Instructional use for culinary heat settings.

#4 Reporting a technical issue
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

The server shut down due to an unexpectedly high temperature.

The server shut down due to an unexpectedly high temperature.

Formal/technical explanation for equipment failure.

#5 A humorous complaint about the office
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Is it just me, or is the high temperature in here melting my brain?

Is it just me, or is the high temperature in here melting my brain?

Using hyperbole to complain about a warm room.

#6 A parent talking to a doctor
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

My daughter has had a high temperature since last night.

My daughter has had a high temperature since last night.

Clear communication of symptoms in a medical context.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

The doctor said I have a ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: high temperature

High temperature is the correct collocation for a fever.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Formality of 'High Temperature'

Informal

Using 'burning up' or 'roasting'.

I'm roasting in here!

Neutral

The standard phrase 'high temperature'.

He has a high temperature.

Formal

Scientific or medical terminology.

The patient exhibits pyrexia.

Where to use 'High Temperature'

High Temperature
🤒

At the Doctor

Checking for a fever

☀️

Weather Forecast

Summer heat warnings

🍳

The Kitchen

Oven settings for baking

💻

IT Support

Computer overheating

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill Blank B1

The doctor said I have a ______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: high temperature

High temperature is the correct collocation for a fever.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, a high temperature is a fever.

Related Phrases

🔄

fever

synonym

Body heat

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