Raise
/reɪz/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo lift or move something to a higher position or level.
/reɪz/
To lift or move something to a higher position.
She raised her hand to ask a question.
💡 Simply: Like when you pick something up or lift it higher. Imagine lifting your hand to say hello, that's raising it!
👶 For kids: To lift something up.
More Examples
The construction crew raised the new roof.
The price of gasoline was raised significantly.
How It's Used
"Construction workers raise the beam using a crane."
"He raises the weights above his head."
To increase the amount, level, or value of something.
/reɪz/
To increase something to a higher level or amount.
The company decided to raise prices.
💡 Simply: Like making something bigger or better. Like raising the volume on your music or raising your hand if you know the answer!
👶 For kids: To make something more, like making a pile of blocks taller.
More Examples
The teacher raised the level of difficulty for the test.
The city raised taxes to pay for the new stadium.
How It's Used
"The central bank raised interest rates."
"The company raised funds through a bond offering."
To bring up and care for a child or animal.
/reɪz/
To bring up or nurture a child or animal.
They raised their children in a rural environment.
💡 Simply: When you take care of someone or something, like parents raising a child or a farmer raising animals.
👶 For kids: To take care of a baby or animal to help it grow.
More Examples
Farmers raise livestock for meat and milk.
She was raised by her grandparents after her parents passed away.
How It's Used
"They raised their children in a loving home."
"Farmers raise cattle for meat production."
To collect or gather something, especially money, troops, or resources.
/reɪz/
To collect or gather money, troops, or other resources.
The organization is working to raise money for disaster relief.
💡 Simply: Like asking for donations or getting people to help you out with something.
👶 For kids: To collect things like money or toys.
More Examples
The country raised a large army to defend itself.
They will raise the money to fund the project.
How It's Used
"The charity aims to raise $1 million."
"The general raised an army to fight the enemy."
To awaken or excite a feeling or reaction.
/reɪz/
His speech raised a lot of questions from the audience.
💡 Simply: To cause something to happen or feel something. Like raising your feelings about the situation
👶 For kids: To make someone or something feel a certain way.
More Examples
The movie raised controversy due to its violent content.
The issue has raised concerns among the scientists.
How It's Used
"The story raised her fears about being alone."
"The artist's work aims to raise emotions in the viewer."
An increase in salary or pay.
/reɪz/
An increase in pay or salary.
He asked his boss for a raise.
💡 Simply: It's when you get more money at your job!
👶 For kids: More money that you get for working.
More Examples
She got a raise at the end of the year.
Getting a raise can improve your financial security.
How It's Used
"She received a raise for her hard work."
"Employees often negotiate raises during annual reviews."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
raise the bar
To improve standards or expectations.
"The new CEO raised the bar for employee performance."
raise a glass
To express good wishes or celebrate a toast.
"Let's raise a glass to the happy couple!"
raise hell
To create a disturbance or cause trouble.
"The protesters raised hell about the new policy."
From Middle English raisen, reisen, from Old Norse reisa (“to raise, lift, set up”), from Proto-Germanic *raizijaną (“to raise”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁reydʰ- (“to arrange, set up”).
The word 'raise' has been used since Middle English, evolving from Old Norse and Proto-Germanic roots to encompass various meanings of lifting, increasing, and bringing up.
Memory tip
Imagine *raising* a flag – you're lifting it up!
Word Origin
"to lift, set up"