What does "emerge" mean?

1. (to come into view) to come out from a place where you could not be seen. 2. (to become known) to become known or clear after being a secret or a mystery. 3. (to survive a situation) to come out of a difficult situation in a certain state.

How do you use "emerge"?

Often used with the preposition 'from'. Commonly used with 'that' clauses or 'during' to indicate the timing of a discovery. Typically followed by an adjective or a prepositional phrase starting with 'from'.

emerge

US //ˈimɝdʒ// UK //ɪmˈɜːdʒ// emerge

1 to come into view (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to come out from a place where you could not be seen.

to come into view or move out from an enclosed or obscured space. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.

Example

The sun finally started to emerge from behind the thick clouds.

Example

The swimmers began to emerge from the lake, shivering as the cold morning air hit their damp skin.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'from'.
2 to become known (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to become known or clear after being a secret or a mystery.

to become apparent, known, or prominent as a result of inquiry or development.

Example

New details about the accident began to emerge after the police report.

Example

Several troubling discrepancies in the financial records emerged during the annual audit, prompting a deeper investigation into the company's practices.

Usage

Commonly used with 'that' clauses or 'during' to indicate the timing of a discovery.
- transpire
- reveal
- unfold
- remain hidden

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3 to survive a situation (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to come out of a difficult situation in a certain state.

to come out of an experience, state, or period of time. Functions as a copular verb in this sense.

Example

The company managed to emerge from the crisis stronger than before.

Example

The nation emerged from the long conflict with its infrastructure in ruins but its political resolve significantly strengthened.

Usage

Typically followed by an adjective or a prepositional phrase starting with 'from'.
- result
- finish

Origin

First attested in the late 16th century. Borrowed from Middle French emerger, from Latin ēmergō (“to rise up or out”), from ē- (a variant of ex- (“out, forth”)) + mergō (“to dip, to sink”)