ENGLISH
REFERENCE

arose

v.
US //ɝˈoʊz// UK //ɐɹˈəʊz// arose
  1. 1 to happen or begin (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say that a problem, opportunity, or situation started to happen in the past.

    the simple past of 'arise' in its intransitive sense, referring to the emergence or occurrence of a situation.

    Example

    A serious argument arose between the two friends over a small mistake.

    Example

    A series of unforeseen complications arose during the final phase of the negotiations, forcing both parties to reconsider their initial demands.

    Usage

    This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
    Pitfall
    A problem was arose during the meeting.
    A problem arose during the meeting.

    Do not use 'was' with 'arose'. It is the past tense of an intransitive verb, not a passive form.

  2. 2 to get up (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    used to say that someone got out of bed or stood up in the past.

    the simple past of 'arise' used in a physical sense to denote the act of getting up or standing.

    Example

    The king arose from his throne to greet the visitors.

    Example

    The congregation arose as one when the choir began the opening hymn, filling the cathedral with a sudden rustle of fabric.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern English, people usually say 'got up' or 'stood up'. This sense is mostly found in formal stories or religious texts.

Last updated June 20, 2026