What is the difference between raise and rise?

Raise vs. Rise

Both words can mean "to move upwards", but they are not interchangeable. "Rise" is an intransitive verb and "raise" is a transitive verb.

Intransitive verbs, like rise, do not require an object. "Rise" does not require an object to do the motion. E.g., the sun rises every morning; she rose from her nap around 2 o'clock. The sun is rising on its own as did the napping girl.

Transitive verbs, like raise, require an object. "Raise" requires an object to cause the motion. E.g., she raised her hand to answer the question; She raised the girl up onto his shoulders. The girl moved her own arm to answer the question and physically lifted the child onto his shoulders.

Raise is a regular verb: raise, raised, raised

Rise is an irregular verb: rise, rose, risen

Common Uses of Rise

To move into an upright position from lying, kneeling or sitting: Please rise for the Lord's Prayer.

To move upward without assistance: He likes to rise with the sun.

To return from death: Michael Jackson rose from the dead in his video "Thriller".

Common Uses of Raise

To elevate: She raised the bar in the competition.
To lift something: Please raise your hand.
To set upright by building: They raised the statue in her honor.
To bring to maturity: She raised him all by herself.
To increase: He raised his bet by five dollars.