Raise vs. Increase: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 22, 2023
"Raise" is an action that elevates or augments something, while "Increase" denotes a growth or augmentation in amount, size, or intensity.
Key Differences
When one examines the words Raise and Increase, the term "Raise" often implies an action or effort to make something go up or to elevate it. "Increase", on the other hand, simply means that something has grown or augmented in some way, without necessarily implying a direct action.
Raise is versatile, having multiple uses in different contexts. For example, one can raise a hand, raise children, or raise funds. However, "Increase" primarily centers around the growth in number, size, or degree of something. It doesn't possess the varied meanings that "Raise" does.
In the realm of finances, Raise usually refers to an augmentation in wages or salary. For example, employees may ask for a raise from their employers. "Increase", in this context, is a more generic term that can refer to the growth of any financial figure, be it revenue, costs, or profits.
Raise has a tactile or physical quality to it, suggesting the act of lifting or moving something upward. "Increase", in contrast, is more abstract, focusing on the concept of growth without implying a specific direction or action.
Another distinct difference between Raise and Increase is their grammatical usage. "Raise" is primarily a verb, whereas "Increase" can function both as a verb and a noun. For instance, one might say, "Raise the volume" and "an increase in volume".
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Primarily used as a verb.
Can be used as both a verb and a noun.
Implied Action
Suggests a direct action to elevate something.
Denotes growth without implying a direct action.
Contextual Usage
Has varied meanings (e.g., raise a hand, funds).
Primarily about growth in size, number, or degree.
Direction
Implies upward movement.
No specific directional implication.
Financial Context
Often refers to an increase in wages or salary.
Refers to the growth of any financial metric.
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Raise and Increase Definitions
Raise
To lift or move to a higher position.
She decided to Raise her hand in class.
Increase
The amount by which something grows.
The Increase in temperature was noticeable.
Raise
To bring up; nurture.
They decided to Raise a family together.
Increase
A growth in size, amount, or degree.
The company saw an Increase in profits this year.
Raise
To cause an increase, especially in costs or amounts.
The company decided to Raise prices due to increased demand.
Increase
To make bigger or more extensive.
They decided to Increase their investments.
Raise
To move to a higher position; elevate
Raised the loads with a crane.
Increase
To become greater or larger.
Raise
To set in an upright or erect position
Raise a flagpole.
Increase
To multiply; reproduce.
Raise
To erect or build
Raise a new building.
Increase
To make greater or larger.
Raise
To cause to arise, appear, or exist
The slap raised a welt.
Increase
The act of increasing
A steady increase in temperature.
Raise
To increase in size, quantity, or worth
Raise an employee's salary.
Increase
The amount or rate by which something is increased
A tax increase of 15 percent.
Raise
To increase in intensity, degree, strength, or pitch
Raised his voice.
Increase
(Obsolete) Reproduction and spread; propagation.
Raise
To improve in rank or dignity; promote
Raised her to management level.
Increase
(intransitive) (of a quantity, etc.) To become larger or greater.
His rage only increased when I told him of the lost money.
Raise
To grow, especially in quantity; cultivate
Raise corn and soybeans.
Increase
(transitive) To make (a quantity, etc.) larger.
Raise
To breed and care for to maturity
Raise cattle.
Increase
To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
Raise
To bring up; rear
Raise children.
Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax.
The Moon increases.
Raise
To accustom to something from an early age
"a post-World War II generation raised on shopping malls and multiplex cinemas" (Gustav Niebuhr).
Increase
An amount by which a quantity is increased.
Raise
To put forward for consideration
Raised an important question. See Synonyms at broach1.
Increase
For a quantity, the act or process of becoming larger
Raise
To voice; utter
Raise a shout.
Increase
Offspring, progeny
Raise
To awaken; arouse
Noise that would raise the dead.
Increase
(knitting) The creation of one or more new stitches; see Increase (knitting).
Raise
To stir up; instigate
Raise a revolt.
Increase
To become greater or more in size, quantity, number, degree, value, intensity, power, authority, reputation, wealth; to grow; to augment; to advance; - opposed to decrease.
The waters increased and bare up the ark.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
The heavens forbidBut that our loves and comforts should increase,Even as our days do grow!
Raise
To bring about; provoke
Remarks intended to raise a laugh.
Increase
To multiply by the production of young; to be fertile, fruitful, or prolific.
Fishes are more numerous or increasing than beasts or birds, as appears by their numerous spawn.
Raise
To make contact with by radio
Couldn't raise the control tower after midnight.
Increase
To become more nearly full; to show more of the surface; to wax; as, the moon increases.
Raise
To gather together; collect
Raise money from the neighbors for a charity.
Increase
To augment or make greater in bulk, quantity, extent, value, or amount, etc.; to add to; to extend; to lengthen; to enhance; to aggravate; as, to increase one's possessions, influence.
I will increase the famine.
Make denialsIncrease your services.
Raise
To cause (dough) to puff up.
Increase
Addition or enlargement in size, extent, quantity, number, intensity, value, substance, etc.; augmentation; growth.
As if increase of appetite had grownBy what it fed on.
For things of tender kind for pleasure madeShoot up with swift increase, and sudden are decay'd.
Raise
To end (a siege) by withdrawing troops or forcing the enemy troops to withdraw.
Increase
That which is added to the original stock by augmentation or growth; produce; profit; interest.
Take thou no usury of him, or increase.
Let them not live to taste this land's increase.
Raise
To remove or withdraw (an order).
Increase
Progeny; issue; offspring.
All the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age.
Raise
To increase (a poker bet).
Increase
Generation.
Raise
To bet more than (a preceding bettor in poker).
Increase
The period of increasing light, or luminous phase; the waxing; - said of the moon.
Seeds, hair, nails, hedges, and herbs will grow soonest if set or cut in the increase of the moon.
Raise
To increase the bid of (one's bridge partner).
Increase
A quantity that is added;
There was an addition to property taxes this year
They recorded the cattle's gain in weight over a period of weeks
Raise
(Nautical) To bring into sight by approaching nearer
Raised the Cape.
Increase
A change resulting in an increase;
The increase is scheduled for next month
Raise
To alter and increase fraudulently the written value of (a check, for example).
Increase
A process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous or more important;
The increase in unemployment
The growth of population
Raise
To cough up (phlegm).
Increase
The amount by which something increases;
They proposed an increase of 15 percent in the fare
Raise
(Scots) To make angry; enrage.
Increase
The act of increasing something;
He gave me an increase in salary
Raise
To increase a poker bet or a bridge bid.
Increase
Become bigger or greater in amount;
The amount of work increased
Raise
The act of raising or increasing.
Increase
Make bigger or more;
The boss finally increased her salary
The university increased the number of students it admitted
Raise
An increase in salary.
Increase
To become greater or more in number.
The population continues to Increase.
Raise
(physical) 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
Increase
Augmentation or enlargement.
The project saw a steady Increase in participation.
Raise
To form by the accumulation of materials or constituent parts; to build up; to erect.
To raise a wall, or a heap of stones
Raise
To cause something to come to the surface of water.
The ship was raised ten years after it had sunk.
Raise
(nautical) To cause (the land or any other object) to seem higher by drawing nearer to it.
To raise Sandy Hook light
Raise
To make (bread, etc.) light, as by yeast or leaven.
Raise
(figurative) To cause (a dead person) to live again; to resurrect.
The magic spell raised the dead from their graves!
Raise
(military) To remove or break up (a blockade), either by withdrawing the ships or forces employed in enforcing it, or by driving them away or dispersing them.
Raise
To relinquish (a siege), or cause this to be done.
Raise
(transitive) To create, increase or develop.
We need to raise the motivation level in the company.
To raise the quality of the products; to raise the price of goods; to raise (increase) taxes
Raise
To collect or amass.
To raise a lot of money for charity; to raise troops
Raise
(obsolete) To call up the forces of, to raise the troops from.
Raise
To bring up; to grow.
We visited a farm where they raise chickens.
Chew with your mouth shut — were you raised in a barn?
Raise
To promote.
To raise somebody to office
Raise
To mention (a question, issue) for discussion.
A few important questions were raised after the attack.
Raise
(legal) To create; to constitute (a use, or a beneficial interest in property).
There should be some consideration (i.e., payment or exchange) to raise a use.
Raise
To bring into being; to produce; to cause to arise, come forth, or appear.
Starting in January we will raise (introduce) taxes on all tobacco substitutes and vaping accessories.
Raise
To establish contact with (e.g., by telephone or radio).
Despite all the call congestion, she was eventually able to raise the police.
Raise
To respond to a bet by increasing the amount required to continue in the hand.
John bet, and Julie raised, requiring John to put in more money.
Raise
(arithmetic) To exponentiate, to involute.
Two raised to the fifth power equals 32.
Raise
To extract (a subject or other verb argument) out of an inner clause.
Raise
To produce a vowel with the tongue positioned closer to the roof of the mouth.
Raise
To increase the nominal value of (a cheque, money order, etc.) by fraudulently changing the writing or printing in which the sum payable is specified.
Raise
To instantiate and transmit (an exception, by throwing it, or an event).
A division by zero will raise an exception.
Raise
To open, initiate.
I will raise a trouble-ticket in order to correct this reporting issue.
Raise
(US) pay raise: an increase in wages or salary.
The boss gave me a raise.
Raise
(weightlifting) A shoulder exercise in which the arms are elevated against resistance.
Raise
(curling) A shot in which the delivered stone bumps another stone forward.
Raise
(poker) A bet that increases the previous bet.
Raise
A cairn or pile of stones.
Raise
To cause to rise; to bring from a lower to a higher place; to lift upward; to elevate; to heave; as, to raise a stone or weight.
Raise
To bring to a higher condition or situation; to elevate in rank, dignity, and the like; to increase the value or estimation of; to promote; to exalt; to advance; to enhance; as, to raise from a low estate; to raise to office; to raise the price, and the like.
This gentleman came to be raised to great titles.
The plate pieces of eight were raised three pence in the piece.
Raise
To cause to rise up, or assume an erect position or posture; to set up; to make upright; as, to raise a mast or flagstaff.
Raise
To increase the strength, vigor, or vehemence of; to excite; to intensify; to invigorate; to heighten; as, to raise the pulse; to raise the voice; to raise the spirits or the courage; to raise the heat of a furnace.
Raise
To cause to spring up from a recumbent position, from a state of quiet, or the like; to awaken; to arouse.
They shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
Raise
To cause to arise, grow up, or come into being or to appear; to give rise to; to originate, produce, cause, effect, or the like.
Raise
To elevate in degree according to some scale; as, to raise the pitch of the voice; to raise the temperature of a room.
Raise
To rouse to action; to stir up; to incite to tumult, struggle, or war; to excite.
He commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind.
Æneas . . . employs his pains,In parts remote, to raise the Tuscan swains.
Raise
To form by the accumulation of materials or constituent parts; to build up; to erect; as, to raise a lofty structure, a wall, a heap of stones.
I will raise forts against thee.
Raise
To cause to rise, as by the effect of leaven; to make light and spongy, as bread.
Miss Liddy can dance a jig, and raise paste.
Raise
To bring up from the lower world; to call up, as a spirit from the world of spirits; to recall from death; to give life to.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead ?
Raise
To bring together; to collect; to levy; to get together or obtain for use or service; as, to raise money, troops, and the like.
Raise
To cause (the land or any other object) to seem higher by drawing nearer to it; as, to raise Sandy Hook light.
Raise
To cause to grow; to procure to be produced, bred, or propagated; to grow; as, to raise corn, barley, hops, etc.; toraise cattle.
I was raised, as they say in Virginia, among the mountains of the North.
Raise
To create or constitute; as, to raise a use, that is, to create it.
Raise
To bring into being; to produce; to cause to arise, come forth, or appear; - often with up.
I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee.
God vouchsafes to raise another worldFrom him [Noah], and all his anger to forget.
Raise
To give rise to; to set agoing; to occasion; to start; to originate; as, to raise a smile or a blush.
Thou shalt not raise a false report.
Raise
To give vent or utterance to; to utter; to strike up.
Soon as the prince appears, they raise a cry.
Raise
To bring to notice; to submit for consideration; as, to raise a point of order; to raise an objection.
Raise
The amount a salary is increased;
He got a 3% raise
He got a wage hike
Raise
An upward slope or grade (as in a road);
The car couldn't make it up the rise
Raise
Increasing the size of a bet (as in poker);
I'll see your raise and double it
Raise
The act of raising something;
He responded with a lift of his eyebrow
Fireman learn several different raises for getting ladders up
Raise
Raise the level or amount of something;
Raise my salary
Raise the price of bread
Raise
Raise from a lower to a higher position;
Raise your hands
Lift a load
Raise
Cause to be heard or known; express or utter;
Raise a shout
Raise a protest
Raise a sad cry
Raise
Collect funds for a specific purpose;
The President raised several million dollars for his college
Raise
Cultivate by growing, often involving improvements by means of agricultural techniques;
The Bordeaux region produces great red wines
They produce good ham in Parma
We grow wheat here
We raise hogs here
Raise
Bring up;
Raise a family
Bring up children
Raise
Evoke or call forth, with or as if by magic;
Raise the specter of unemployment
He conjured wild birds in the air
Stir a disturbance
Call down the spirits from the mountain
Raise
Move upwards;
Lift one's eyes
Raise
Construct, build, or erect;
Raise a barn
Raise
Call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses);
Arouse pity
Raise a smile
Evoke sympathy
Raise
Create a disturbance, especially by making a great noise;
Raise hell
Raise the roof
Raise Cain
Raise
Raise in rank or condition;
The new law lifted many people from poverty
Raise
Increase;
This will enhance your enjoyment
Heighten the tension
Raise
Give a promotion to or assign to a higher position;
John was kicked upstairs when a replacement was hired
Women tend not to advance in the major law firms
I got promoted after many years of hard work
Raise
Cause to puff up with a leaven;
Unleavened bread
Raise
In bridge: bid (one's partner's suit) at a higher level
Raise
Bet more than the previous player
Raise
Cause to assemble or enlist in the military;
Raise an army
Recruit new soldiers
Raise
Put forward for consideration or discussion;
Raise the question of promotions
Bring up an unpleasant topic
Raise
Pronounce (vowels) by bringing the tongue closer to the roof of the mouth;
Raise your `o'
Raise
Activate or stir up;
Raise a mutiny
Raise
Establish radio communications with;
They managed to raise Hanoi last night
Raise
Multiply (a number) by itself a specified number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power 3
Raise
Bring (a surface, a design, etc.) into relief and cause to project;
Raised edges
Raise
Invigorate or heighten;
Lift my spirits
Lift his ego
Raise
Put an end to;
Lift a ban
Raise a siege
Raise
Cause to become alive again;
Raise from the dead
Slavery is already dead, and cannot be resurrected
Upraising ghosts
Raise
To grow or cultivate.
Farmers Raise crops and livestock.
Raise
To collect or gather for a purpose.
The community came together to Raise funds for the school.
FAQs
Is "Increase" always about numbers?
No, "Increase" can refer to growth in size, intensity, or other dimensions.
Does "Increase" imply a positive change?
Not necessarily. It denotes growth, but that can be positive or negative based on context.
Do "Raise" and "Rise" mean the same?
No. "Raise" is transitive (requires an object), while "Rise" is intransitive (doesn't require an object).
Can "Raise" mean to nurture or bring up?
Yes, as in "raising children."
Does "Increase" always need an external influence?
No. Some things can increase naturally or due to internal factors.
Can you "Raise" awareness?
Yes, "Raise" can mean to promote or bring attention to a cause.
Can "Increase" be used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, it's often used to denote growth in mathematical terms.
Can "Increase" also mean to multiply?
Not exactly, but multiplication results in an increase.
Is "Increase" always gradual?
No. An increase can be sudden or gradual based on the context.
What's the opposite of "Raise" in terms of lowering something?
The opposite would be "lower" or "reduce."
Can "Raise" be used as a noun?
Yes, in contexts like "She got a raise in her salary."
How is "Raise" different from "Elevate"?
They are synonyms, but "Raise" is more commonly used, while "Elevate" can be more formal or suggest a higher level.
Is "Increase" always evident?
Not always. Some increases might be subtle or not immediately noticeable.
Can "Increase" be synonymous with "expand"?
In some contexts, yes, especially when referring to growth or extension in size or scope.
What does "Raise the stakes" mean?
It means to increase what is at risk or the potential reward.
Can a question be "Raised" in a meeting?
Yes, to "Raise" a question means to bring it up or present it.
Is it correct to say "Raise the temperature"?
Yes, it means to cause the temperature to go up.
What's the antonym of "Increase"?
"Decrease" is a common antonym.
Can "Increase" refer to non-physical growth?
Yes, like an increase in knowledge or understanding.
Can you "Raise" a building?
In construction terms, "Raise" can mean to erect or build.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
