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Commonly Confused

How to Pronounce rise vs raise

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Raise’ (⁄reɪz⁄) requires a direct object (to lift something); ‘rise’ (⁄raɪz⁄) is intransitive (to ascend on one's own).

Contrast: Diphthong: ⁄eɪ⁄ vs ⁄aɪ⁄

rise

⁄raɪz⁄

Syllables

RISE

Definition:

To move, or appear to move, physically upwards relative to the ground.

“We watched the balloon rise.”

raise

⁄reɪz⁄

Syllables

RAISE

Definition:

To cause to rise; to lift or elevate.

“to raise your hand if you want to say something; to raise your walking stick to defend yourself”

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Frequently Asked Questions: rise vs raise

What is the difference in pronunciation between "rise" and "raise"?

‘Raise’ (⁄reɪz⁄) requires a direct object (to lift something); ‘rise’ (⁄raɪz⁄) is intransitive (to ascend on one's own).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "rise" vs "raise"?

"rise" has 1 syllable(s) (rise) with stress on "RISE". "raise" has 1 syllable(s) (raise) with stress on "RAISE".

Why do English learners often confuse "rise" and "raise"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Diphthong: ⁄eɪ⁄ vs ⁄aɪ⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "rise" and "raise"?

Example for "rise": "We watched the balloon rise." Example for "raise": "to raise your hand if you want to say something; to raise your walking stick to defend yourself"