What is difference between rise and raise
by Yogi P - October 20, 2023
Rise vs Raise: What’s the Difference?
Confusingly, rise and raise are pronounced the same, and they share a similar definition: to go up. However, if you use these words incorrectly, your meaning could be misconstrued. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings and usages of both words, providing examples to illustrate their proper use in sentences.
Rise
Generally speaking, the verb rise has two meanings: (1) an increase in size, height, or amount; (2) the act of getting up from a lying or sitting position. Let’s take a look at how each meaning is used in sentences.
As a verb meaning “an increase in size, height, or amount,” we use rise to describe a change of status or amount. This usage is exemplified in the following sentences:
- The number of undergraduate students rose significantly in recent years.
- The price of electronics rose sharply in May, just before the annual sale.
- The unemployment rate rose in July during the pandemic.
The other usage of the verb rise is to describe the act of getting up from a lying or sitting position. Examples include:
- Annette rose from the dinner table after her meal.
- The population in the region will rise as more people move in.
- His blood pressure rose in response to the stressful news.
Raise
Raise is also a versatile verb and has several definitions. The most common usage of the word is to lift something up, either physically or figuratively. For example:
- She raised her right hand while taking the oath.
- He raised a hand to quiet the room.
- We raised the flag in the school courtyard.
However, raise can also be used to describe other activities for example, it is often used to describe elevating the level of something:
- The workers raised their voices in protest.
- We raised the temperature in the living room.
- He raised the stakes when he bet an additional $50.
Another english usage for raise is to describe the act of providing money or resources:
- We should raise the funds necessary for the project.
- He is attempting to raise an army to take over the country.
- The company raised $200 million in its latest venture round.
Table summarising the difference between rise and raise
| Word | Rise | Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | An increase in size, height, or amount Getting up from a lying or sitting position |
Lift something up, either physically or figuratively Elevate the level of something Provide money or resources |
| Usage | Conjunction, adverb | Verb |
| Examples | The temperature rose in the room. | He raised his hands in the air. |
Difference between rise and raise – Meaning and Usage
Rise is most commonly used as a verb and denotes an increase in size, height, or amount, as well as the act of getting up from a lying or sitting position. Meanwhile, raise is also a verb but has various usages that include lifting something up, either physically or figuratively elevate the level of something; and providing money or resources.
It’s essential to note the subtle differences between these words. For example, when describing an increase in amount, you should use the verb rise rather than raise. Likewise, when referring to the act of providing money or resources, use raise and not rise.
Examples of difference between rise and raise
Here are some examples of how rise and raise are properly used in sentences:
- The number of subscribers rose steadily since the show’s launch.
- He raised a hand to signal he was done.
- The market rose nearly 10 points in the past month.
- She raised the issue during the meeting.
- The cost of the house rose after inspection.
- We raised money for charity.
Rise vs Raise overview
| Aspect | Rise | Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Verb Form | Intransitive verb, does not require a direct object | Transitive verb, requires a direct object (e.g., someone or something) |
| Meaning | To move upward or increase in position, often used without an object | To lift, elevate, or increase the position of someone or something |
| Example | The sun will rise in the morning. | Please raise your hand to ask a question. |
| Usage | Used to describe something moving or increasing in height, often without an external agent | Used to describe the act of lifting or elevating something or someone, often with an external agent |
| Transitivity | Intransitive (no direct object) | Transitive (requires a direct object) |
| Focus | Focuses on the subject’s own action or movement | Focuses on the subject’s action of causing something to move or increase in position |
| Synonyms | Ascend, climb, go up, increase | Lift, elevate, hoist, increase |
| Antonyms | Fall, descend, lower | Lower, lower down, lower oneself |
Activity to Enhance Understanding
To help readers solidify the distinction between rise and raise, it’s a good exercise to look up both words in a dictionary and read the usage notes. Afterward, try rewriting sentences found in literature or everyday publications using the correct form of words. Doing so enables one to acquire a nuanced understanding of these words.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both rise and raise bear similar meanings, but they are not interchangeable in certain contexts. Rise usually refers to an increase in size, height, or amount and the act of getting up from a lying or sitting position, while raise refers to the act of lifting something up, either physically or figuratively elevating the level of something and providing money or resources.
Familiarizing oneself with the differences outlined in this article is key to using these words accurately.
