arise
uh-RYZ
Arise (verb) means to come into being, appear, or start happening. Example: “If any questions arise during the lesson, please raise your hand and ask.”
verb
1
To come into being, appear, or start happening.
"If any questions arise during the lesson, please raise your hand and ask."
"Problems arose when the funding suddenly fell through."
"A new opportunity may arise once the merger is finalised."
2
To get up, especially from sleep or a resting position (somewhat literary).
"Each morning she would arise before the sun and walk down to the river."
"Arise, and greet the morning, the old hymn urges."
How to use arise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo come up or come into existence, or (in older/formal use) to get up.
Common mistake
In modern everyday speech "arise" mostly describes problems, questions, or opportunities coming up — not literally standing up, which now sounds old-fashioned.
Common pairings
a problem arises
a question arises
an opportunity arises
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Word forms
- Plural
- arises
- Third person singular
- arises
- Past tense
- arose, arisen, arised
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
If any questions _____ during the lesson, please raise your hand and ask.
Etymology
From Old English arisan, from a- + rise — literally "to rise up."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for arise
See all rhymes for arise →Frequently asked questions
What does “arise” mean?
The word “arise” means to come into being, appear, or start happening. In plain terms, to come up or come into existence, or (in older/formal use) to get up.
How do you pronounce “arise”?
“Arise” is pronounced uh-RYZ (/əˈɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “arise” in a sentence?
Here is “arise” used in a sentence: “A new opportunity may arise once the merger is finalised.”
What is another word for “arise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “arise” include emerge, originate, pop up, reappear, surface and come to pass.
What part of speech is “arise”?
“Arise” is a verb.
Where does the word “arise” come from?
The word “arise” comes from Old English. From Old English arisan, from a- + rise — literally "to rise up.".
Is “arise” a common word?
“Arise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “arise” have?
“Arise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to come into being, appear, or start happening.
What is the difference between "arise" and "rise"?
"Rise" means to move upward or increase, as when prices rise or the sun rises, while "arise" mainly means to come into being or happen, as when problems arise. "Arise" can also mean to get up, but that use is literary; for everyday upward movement, "rise" is preferred.
What are the past tense forms of "arise"?
"Arise" is an irregular verb: the past tense is "arose" and the past participle is "arisen," as in "a dispute arose" and "issues have arisen." The form "arised" is incorrect.
What is the difference between "arise" and "occur"?
Both can mean to happen, but "arise" often suggests something coming into being out of a situation, as in "questions arise," while "occur" simply means to take place. "Arise" also frequently pairs with abstract nouns such as problems, issues, or opportunities.
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