arose ə-ˈrōz How to pronounce arise (audio) ; arisen ə-ˈri-zᵊn How to pronounce arise (audio) ; arising ə-ˈrī-ziŋ How to pronounce arise (audio)

intransitive verb

1
a
: to begin to occur or to exist : to come into being or to attention
Problems arise when people try to avoid responsibility.
A conflict arose because of a misunderstanding.
Questions have arisen concerning the company's financial records.
He can defend himself should the need arise. [=if it becomes necessary to do so]
b
: to originate from a source
arteries that arise from the aorta
a river that arises from two main sources
2
: to get up or stand up : rise
He arose from his chair.
especially : to get up from sleep or after lying down
He arose (from bed) refreshed after a good night's sleep.
3
: to move upward : ascend
A mist arose from the valley.
Choose the Right Synonym for arise

spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence.

spring implies rapid or sudden emerging.

an idea that springs to mind

arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent.

new questions have arisen
slowly rose to prominence

originate implies a definite source or starting point.

the fire originated in the basement

derive implies a prior existence in another form.

the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast

flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception.

words flowed easily from her pen

issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet.

blood issued from the cut

emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source.

reports emanating from the capital

proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause.

advice that proceeds from the best of intentions

stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development.

industries stemming from space research

Examples of arise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now in its last month of operation, Bauer’s the lone worker remaining, acting as the store’s delivery man, salesman and other tasks that arise. David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 On Wednesday, Hudgens slammed pregnancy speculation that first arose in October. Marc Malkin, Variety, 10 Mar. 2024 In addition to costs and issues that might arise on your property once construction begins (site and utility work alone added an extra $50,000 onto one couple’s $300,000 ADU), another major hurdle is winning over your nervous neighbors. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The two leaders’ approach to this year’s budget season is reminiscent of debates that arose during last year’s $19.7 billion budget formulation, when the mayor proposed large cuts to some social services programs that had gotten a significant boost from federal pandemic aid. Meagan Flynn, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Despite rapid economic development in certain sectors, protests have historically arisen among working class people over disparities and rising costs of living. Sam Metz, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 Many were planted by Axis propagandists, but others appear to have originated with everyday citizens, frequently arising out of their anxieties, suspicions, prejudices or simple misunderstandings. Greg Daugherty, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 Madhuri Shekar’s play focuses on scientists studying a bee colony collapse and the ethical issues that arise around a paper that two PhD students are preparing to publish about the causes of the phenomenon. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 The question quickly arose whether existing rapid antigen tests could detect newly emerging variants. Anuradha Rao, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'arise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ārīsan, from ā-, perfective prefix + rīsan to rise — more at abide

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of arise was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near arise

Cite this Entry

“Arise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arise. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

arise

verb
arose -ˈrōz How to pronounce arise (audio) ; arisen -ˈriz-ən How to pronounce arise (audio) ; arising -ˈrī-ziŋ How to pronounce arise (audio)
1
: to get up from sleep or after lying down
arising at dawn
2
a
: to begin at a source
arteries that arise from the aorta
b
: to come into being or to attention
a question arose
3
: to move upward
mist arose from the valley

More from Merriam-Webster on arise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!