'high-end' originates from the combination of 'high' and 'end', where 'high' meant 'of great vertical extent' and 'end' referred to 'the final part of something'.

'high-end' evolved from the use of 'high' to denote superior quality and 'end' to signify the top tier of a range.

Initially, it meant 'the upper part of a range', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'superior quality or luxury'.