Raise: Definition and Synonyms
Raise – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “raise” functions as both a verb and, occasionally, as a noun (in forms like “a raise” meaning an increase in salary). As a verb, it is commonly used to signify the act of lifting something upward or increasing the amount, number, or level of something. Its grammatical forms include “raises” (third person singular), “raising” (present participle/gerund), and “raised” (past tense/past participle).
Core Synonyms
Below is a table presenting key synonyms for “raise,” highlighting subtle differences in their meanings and usage contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate | To lift up or raise to a higher position/status. | “She aims to elevate her career by acquiring new skills.” | Formal/Academic |
| Augment | To make something greater by adding to it. | “The software update augments the system’s capabilities.” | Business/Formal |
| Lift | To move or be moved upward. | “The crane lift completed the construction phase quickly.” | Informal/Technical |
| Increase | To become larger in size, amount, intensity, etc. | “The company plans to increase its investment next year.” | Business/Casual |
| Boost | To raise or improve something significantly. | “Marketing efforts will boost sales during the holiday season.” | Informal/Colloquial |
Usage Notes
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Elevate: Best used in contexts where a formal tone is appropriate, such as academic writing or when discussing professional advancement.
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Augment: Suitable for business environments and technical discussions focusing on enhancements or additions that improve functionality.
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Lift: Commonly found in everyday conversation and informal writings. It can be applied to physical movements or metaphorically used (e.g., “lift someone’s spirits”).
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Increase: Versatile and applicable across various contexts, from formal reports to casual conversations about growth in numbers, amounts, etc.
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Boost: Informal and often used when referring to significant improvements in performance, morale, or metrics.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake with using synonyms of “raise” involves choosing the wrong word for a given context. For instance, using “elevate” instead of “increase” can sound overly formal when discussing simple numerical growth. Additionally, mixing up physical and metaphorical uses of words like “lift” (as in lifting one’s spirits vs. physically moving objects) may confuse listeners or readers.
Final Recap
In summary, the core synonyms for “raise” include elevate, augment, lift, increase, and boost, each with its own nuance and appropriate context. Elevate and augment fit formal and business settings; lift is casual and informal; increase is versatile across contexts; and boost suggests a more significant improvement.
Encourage readers to practice these synonyms by writing sentences or engaging in conversations where they can apply the word most accurately. This exercise helps expand vocabulary effectively and improves communication precision.