Raise: meaning, definitions and examples

Applicable in both physical and metaphorical contexts; can refer to increasing height, level, amount, or intensity, as well as bringing up a topic or issue.

• She decided to raise her hand to ask a question.
• They plan to raise the prices next month.
• You need to raise the issue during the meeting.

Used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. In the physical sense, it involves moving something from a lower to a higher position. Metaphorically, it can mean improving someone’s mood or causing something to improve or increase.

• Can you help me lift this table?
• The good news will lift her spirits.
• They plan to lift the ban on the new policy next month.

Often used in a formal or medical context to denote lifting to a higher position or promoting in status or rank. It can also mean to improve moral or intellectual character.

• The medication helped to elevate her mood.
• You should elevate the injured limb to reduce swelling.
• He was elevated to the position of manager last year.

Commonly used in a physical context, specifically involving lifting something heavy, often with mechanical assistance.

• The workers used a crane to hoist the steel beams into place.
• They hoisted the flag during the ceremony.
• He hoisted himself up onto the ledge.

Typically used when referring to elevating something to a higher position, increasing salaries or funds, or lifting a question or issue.

• The company decided to raise salaries for all employees.
• Can you raise your hand if you have a question?
• They aim to raise funds for the new project.

A general term that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe making something larger in number, size, or amount.

• The population of the city continues to increase every year.
• They need to increase their production to meet demand.
• Exercise can help increase your overall health.

Primarily used to describe making something more intense, such as emotions, awareness, or tension.

• The suspense in the movie heightened towards the end.
• They implemented measures to heighten security at the event.
• The news of the storm heightened their sense of urgency.

Often used when talking about improving or enhancing something, such as morale, confidence, sales, or energy.

• The new marketing campaign helped to boost sales.
• He drank a coffee to boost his energy levels.
• The speech was meant to boost the team's morale.

Often used in casual or everyday conversations to talk about a higher salary given to an employee.

• I got a raise at work last month

Commonly used in more formal or professional settings when discussing salary enhancements.

• The board has approved an increase in pay for all employees

Typically used in formal communications or documentation related to employment and compensation.

• You will see a 5% salary increase reflected in your next paycheck

Often used in discussions involving labor movements, negotiations, or news reports. Can have a slightly negative connotation as it might imply a forced or contested increase.

• The union is demanding a wage hike for all factory workers