# emergence

/ˈimɝdʒəns/ (US) · /ɪmˈɜːdʒəns/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. becoming visible

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The sudden emergence of the sun from behind the clouds brightened the whole valley.
- 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. becoming known or successful

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. plant growth

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- Farmers watch for the emergence of the first green shoots in early spring.
- Successful seedling emergence depends heavily on soil temperature and the depth at which the seeds were originally planted.

### 4. an emergency

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

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

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

- In times of great emergence, the king would call his advisors together.
- The chronicler noted that the sudden emergence of the plague left the village elders without any clear plan of action.

Teaching tip: This sense is archaic; modern speakers should use 'emergency' instead.

## Examples

- The emergence of new technology changed how we work.
- The sudden emergence of a new political leader surprised many voters during the recent election cycle.
- Historians often debate the exact factors that led to the emergence of the Renaissance, citing both economic stability and a renewed interest in classical philosophy.

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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.