Raise

    It seems like a simple English word, but we have to remember the English language (well, I guess I mean the American language) is often a most difficult beast to corral.  It is also very difficult to understand at times.  Just consider the following as an example:

     RAISE: to cause or help to rise to a standing position.  That seems to be pretty simple, at least at first glance.  There are however approximately TWO DOZEN different ways in which you could use this word!

     Possibly:  Awaken or Arouse.  Or perhaps to stir up or incite.  You are going to RAISE a rebellion.  You may even RAISE in the sense to flush game from its covering.  Or it may make reference to recall from, as if from death!

     Your meaning might refer to something completely different.  Such as to set upright by lifting or building:  i.e. RAISE a monument.  Or your meaning could simply refer to lift up!  You might RAISE your hand or RAISE sunken treasure.  There may be a more specific aspect such as to place higher in rank or dignity, to elevate.  You may have the aspect to heighten, or invigorate, such as RAISE the spirits!  It may have a meaning more along the lines to end or suspend the operation.  You would RAISE a siege.

     Perhaps your desire is to gather together for a purpose, such as to RAISE funds for an upcoming event.

     You could have the thoughts along the agricultural lines:  to grow or cultivate.  You are going to RAISE cotton, corn, wheat, or some other crop.  However, you could use the same term if you were making reference to humans.  You and your spouse are going to RAISE a child.

     It might be possible that you are going to provoke (to give rise to) such as an activity:  RAISE a commotion.  Or it might be that you are in a more opposite situation and you are to give voice to:  RAISE a cheer!

     If you were to consider your business operations you might want to bring something up for conversation or debate:  RAISE an issue.

     Or you may want to give consideration to the 16 other uses I found for this one word: RAISE!

     When you consider that there are over ONE MILLION words in the English language you can get a small glimpse into the difficulties that individuals have in making themselves truly understood on occasions.  It becomes also obvious that there are some people who can talk constantly and say very little.  However, this language difficulty is completely understandable when you remember:  We’re Only Human!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"I never became a farmer,
but mama always said 'I raised cane!'"