# arise

/ɝˈaɪz/ (US) · /ɐɹˈaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/arise
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to happen or start

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to start to happen or exist, especially a problem, a question, or a difficult situation.

For teachers: to emerge or become apparent; most frequently used with abstract subjects like 'problems', 'difficulties', or 'opportunities'.

- A few unexpected problems arose during the first week of the project.
- Should any further complications arise during the transition period, the legal team must be notified immediately to mitigate potential risks.

Usage: This verb is intransitive and never takes a direct object.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse the past forms: arise, arose, arisen. It is almost exclusively used for abstract things like 'doubts' or 'issues' in modern business English.

### 2. to get up

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary · Formal

to get up from a bed or a chair.

For teachers: to move from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position to a standing one.

- The king arose from his throne to greet the visitors.
- He arose at dawn, feeling a renewed sense of purpose as the first light touched the valley.

Usage: Often used in religious or poetic contexts.

Teaching tip: In everyday conversation, 'get up' or 'stand up' is much more natural. Use 'arise' only for a very dramatic or formal effect.

## Examples

- New problems often arise during big projects.
- A serious disagreement began to arise between the two partners regarding how to spend the remaining budget.
- Should any further complications arise during the transition period, the legal team is prepared to intervene and mediate the dispute immediately.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.