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verb B1 Intermediate Common

arise

uh-RYZ

Arise (verb) means to come into being, appear, or start happening. Example: “Problems arose when the funding suddenly fell through.”

verb
1
To come into being, appear, or start happening.
"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).
"Arise, and greet the morning, the old hymn urges."

How to Use Arise

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

arose past tense, arisen past tense, arised past tense, arises plural, arises singular

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Test yourself on “arise” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A new opportunity may _____ once the merger is finalised.

Etymology

From Old English arisan, from a- + rise — literally "to rise up."

Origin: Old English

Related Words

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.

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