English Reference
verb · noun

rise

v. · n.
US /ˈɹaɪz/ UK /ɹˈaɪz/ rise UK spelling rises

infinitive rise past rose past participle risen

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to move from a lower position to a higher one.

    v.to move or appear to move physically upwards relative to the ground or a horizon.

    Simple

    The sun began to rise over the mountains at six in the morning.

    In context

    As the temperature in the valley increased, the mist began to rise, slowly revealing the jagged peaks of the surrounding range.

    Pitfall
    The sun is raising. The sun is rising.

    Use 'rise' when something moves up by itself; use 'raise' when someone moves an object up.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Formal

    v.to get up from a sitting or lying position.

    v.to move from a sitting, kneeling, or lying position to a standing one.

    Simple

    Everyone in the room had to rise when the judge entered.

    In context

    The chairman requested that the assembly rise for a moment of silence to honour the late founder.

    sitlie down
  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.to become greater in amount, number, or level.

    v.to increase in value, price, quantity, or intensity.

    Simple

    Prices for fresh vegetables usually rise during the winter months.

    In context

    Global sea levels continue to rise at an accelerating rate, posing a significant threat to low-lying coastal communities.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary

    n.an increase in the amount or level of something.

    n.an instance of becoming greater in quantity, price, or degree.

    Simple

    There has been a sharp rise in the cost of electricity this year.

    In context

    Economists are concerned that a sudden rise in interest rates could stifle the fragile recovery of the housing market.

  5. 05 B1 Intermediate British English

    n.an increase in the money you earn for your job.

    n.an increase in wage or salary.

    Simple

    She was happy to receive a significant rise after her annual review.

    In context

    After three years of stagnant wages, the union successfully negotiated a five per cent rise for all staff members.

    Usage

    In American English, this is almost always called a 'pay raise'.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a reaction from someone, usually because you provoked them.

    n.a noticeable visible or audible reaction, often one of anger or laughter, elicited by provocation.

    Simple

    He only made that joke to get a rise out of his brother.

    In context

    The politician's controversial remarks were clearly calculated to get a rise out of the opposition during the televised debate.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'to get a rise out of someone'.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.the distance from the waist to the crotch on a pair of trousers.

    n.the length of material extending from the waistband to the crotch seam in trousers or shorts.

    Simple

    These jeans have a high rise, so they sit above the hips.

    In context

    The tailor suggested a longer rise for the trousers to ensure a more comfortable fit for the client's height.

  8. 08 C1 Advanced Technical Architecture

    n.the height of a single step in a staircase.

    n.the vertical height of a single step or the total height of a flight of stairs.

    Simple

    The rise of each step was too high for the elderly residents to climb easily.

    In context

    Building regulations specify a maximum rise for individual steps to ensure the safety and accessibility of public stairways.

Don't confuse

rise vs raise — Rise is an intransitive verb meaning to move upward, while raise is a transitive verb meaning to lift something else.

Usage rise to the top · rise in the number · rises the water

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated