raise

To lift something or move it to a higher position.

• Please raise your hand.
• She raised the glass to her lips.
• They raised the flag above the building.

Similar words: lift, lift up

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: raise your hand, raise a flag, raise your head

To make a number, amount, or level higher.

• The shop raised its prices.
• They raised the speed limit last year.
• Will the government raise taxes again?

How to use it: raise something by an amount (They raised the rent by fifty pounds.); raise something to an amount (The bank raised its rate to five percent.)

Similar words: increase, put up

Opposites: reduce, lower

Common phrases: raise prices, raise taxes, raise the temperature

To care for children or young animals as they grow up.

• They raised three children.
• She was raised by her grandparents.
• Is it difficult to raise a puppy?

Similar words: bring up, rear

Common phrases: raise a child, raise a family, raise someone alone

To mention an idea, question, or problem so people can discuss it.

• She raised an interesting question.
• We raised our concerns at the meeting.
• Why did you raise that topic with him?

How to use it: raise something with someone (I raised the problem with my manager.)

Similar words: bring up, mention

Common phrases: raise an issue, raise a question, raise concerns

To grow plants or keep animals on a farm, usually for food or sale.

• They raise sheep on their farm.
• My uncle raised corn for many years.
• Do you raise chickens for eggs or meat?

Similar words: grow, rear, cultivate

Common phrases: raise cattle, raise crops, raise chickens

To make a higher bet than another player, so they must pay more to continue playing.

• She decided to raise.
• He raised the bet by twenty dollars.
• Will you raise me or fold?

How to use it: raise someone an amount (I will raise you ten dollars.)

Common phrases: raise the bet, raise someone again, raise by ten

An increase in the amount of money you earn from your job.

• I got a raise today.
• She asked her boss for a raise.
• Our annual raises were smaller than expected.

Similar words: pay increase, pay rise

Opposites: pay cut

Common phrases: pay raise, get a raise, ask for a raise

A bet that increases the amount another player has already bet.

• His raise surprised the other players.
• I called her raise and stayed in the game.
• Two large raises made the pot much bigger.

Common phrases: call a raise, big raise, raise of ten