# arose

/ɝˈoʊz/ (US) · /ɐɹˈəʊz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. to happen or begin

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 2. to get up

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

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

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

- The king arose from his throne to greet the visitors.
- The congregation arose as one when the choir began the opening hymn, filling the cathedral with a sudden rustle of fabric.

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

## Examples

- A serious problem arose during the meeting yesterday.
- A sudden disagreement arose between the two partners regarding the company's new direction.
- Although the initial plan seemed perfect, several unforeseen complications arose once the team began the implementation phase in the field.

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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.