verb
raise
rayz
verb
1
To move or lift something to a higher position.
"Please raise your hand if you have a question."
"They raised the flag at sunrise."
2
To increase the amount, level, or intensity of something.
"The landlord raised the rent again this year."
"He raised his voice so everyone could hear."
3
To bring up and care for a child, or to breed and tend animals or crops, until they are grown.
"They raised three children in a small farmhouse."
"The family has raised cattle on this land for generations."
4
To bring up a subject, question, or objection for discussion.
"I'd like to raise a concern about the new schedule."
noun
1
An increase in salary or pay.
"She asked her manager for a raise after two strong years."
How to Use Raise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lift something up, increase it, bring up a topic, or bring up children — and, as a noun, a pay increase.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "rise", which doesn't take a direct object — you raise something, but something else rises by itself.
UK vs US
American English uses "raise" for a pay increase; British English usually says "pay rise" instead.
Common pairings
raise a hand
raise a question
raise the price
ask for a raise
Word Forms
raises plural
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Please _____ your hand if you have a question.
Etymology
From Old Norse reisa, "to erect" or "cause to rise" — the causative partner of the verb "rise".