ENGLISH
REFERENCE

risen

v. · adj.
US //ˈɹɪzən// UK //ɹˈɪzən// risen
  1. 1 moved upward or increased (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    the form of 'rise' used after 'have' or 'has' to show something moved up or increased.

    the past participle of 'rise', used in the present or past perfect to indicate an upward trajectory or an increase in quantity or intensity.

    Example

    The sun had already risen by the time we started our hike.

    Example

    Global temperatures have risen significantly over the last century, prompting urgent discussions among climate scientists and policy makers.

    Usage

    This is an intransitive form and does not take a direct object.

    Pitfall
    The sun has raised.
    The sun has risen.

    Use 'risen' for things that move up on their own; 'raised' requires an object to be lifted by someone.

  2. 2 having moved up (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    describes something that has already moved to a higher position.

    functioning as an adjective to describe a subject that has completed an upward movement or reached a higher state.

    Example

    The risen moon cast a silver glow over the quiet lake.

    Example

    The risen dough was finally ready to be shaped into loaves and placed in the oven.

    Usage

    Often used in religious or poetic contexts to describe someone or something that has returned from the dead or ascended.

Origin

Morphologically rise + -n.

© 2026 English Reference