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REFERENCE

emergence

n.
US //ˈimɝdʒəns// UK //ɪmˈɜːdʒəns// emer·gence
  1. 1 becoming visible (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of coming out from a place where you cannot be seen.

    the act of rising out of a fluid or coming forth from concealment into view.

    Example

    The sudden emergence of the sun from behind the clouds brightened the whole valley.

    Example

    The submarine's slow emergence from the depths was marked by a massive displacement of water and a loud mechanical hum.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'from'.
  2. 2 becoming known or successful (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the start of something new becoming popular, important, or known to everyone.

    the process of becoming visible, important, or prominent within a social, political, or economic context.

    Example

    The emergence of new technology has changed how we communicate with our families.

    Example

    The emergence of independent city-states in the region fundamentally altered the balance of power during the fourteenth century.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by 'of' and a noun phrase.
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  1. 3 plant growth (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Botany

    the moment a small plant or part of a plant grows out of the soil.

    the process of a seedling or plant part breaking through the surface of the soil or a protective layer.

    Example

    Farmers watch for the emergence of the first green shoots in early spring.

    Example

    Successful seedling emergence depends heavily on soil temperature and the depth at which the seeds were originally planted.
  2. 4 an emergency (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a very old word for a sudden, dangerous situation that needs immediate action.

    a sudden or unexpected occurrence requiring immediate action; a precursor to the modern sense of 'emergency'.

    Example

    In times of great emergence, the king would call his advisors together.

    Example

    The chronicler noted that the sudden emergence of the plague left the village elders without any clear plan of action.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is archaic; modern speakers should use 'emergency' instead.
Origin

Borrowed from French émergence. Doublet of emergency. By surface analysis, emerge + -ence.

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