'highlight' originates from the combination of 'high' and 'light', where 'high' meant 'of great vertical extent' and 'light' meant 'brightness'.

'highlight' evolved from the Middle English words 'heigh' and 'light', eventually becoming the modern English word 'highlight'.

Initially, it meant 'a bright spot', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'emphasizing or making something stand out'.