Raise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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raise

[reɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

hand

To lift or move something to a higher position

Synonyms

elevate, hoist, lift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
raise	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.
lift	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.
elevate	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.
hoist	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.

Examples of usage

She raised her hand to ask a question.
He raised the flag to signal the start of the race.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

increase

To increase the amount, level, or strength of something

Synonyms

boost, heighten, increase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
raise	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.
increase	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.
heighten	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.
boost	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.

Examples of usage

The government decided to raise taxes.
She raised her voice to be heard over the noise.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

money

An increase in salary or wages

Synonyms

increase in pay, salary increase, wage hike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
raise	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
increase in pay	Commonly used in more formal or professional settings when discussing salary enhancements. The board has approved an increase in pay for all employees
salary increase	Typically used in formal communications or documentation related to employment and compensation. You will see a 5% salary increase reflected in your next paycheck
wage hike	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

Examples of usage

She got a raise after her performance review.
The company announced a raise for all employees.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'raise'

The word 'raise' originated from the Old Norse word 'reisa' meaning 'to cause to rise'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. Over time, its meanings expanded to include various contexts such as lifting, increasing, and promoting. The term has been widely used in both literal and figurative senses, reflecting its versatility in English vocabulary.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,816, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1813 youth
1814 suddenly
1815 refer
1816 raise
1817 changing
1818 replied
1819 drawing
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