Just like other homophones or words that are similar in pronunciation but differ in spelling and meaning, the terms raise and raze sometimes cause confusion among writers. Although they have similar sounds, these two words are far from similar in terms of meaning. This post will help you differentiate between the two and enable you to use them correctly in your writing.
The word raise is more commonly used as a verb meaning “to lift or move to a higher position or level” or “to increase the amount, level, or strength of.”
Prison break pensioners raise the bar for fundraising
The CourierTime to raise eurozone interest rates, says Deutsche Bank chief
The GuardianSenate spending panel approves $2 billion raise for NIH in 2018
Science Magazine
As a verb, it may also mean “to bring up for consideration or debate” or “to get together for a purpose.”
Monsanto Emails Raise Issue of Influencing Research on Roundup Weed Killer
New York TimesMusic in Common hopes to raise funds to replace rescinded federal grant
Berkshire EagleOlympic Village residents raise concerns about needles in parks, playgrounds
MetroNews Canada
Raise may also be used as a noun referring to “an increase in salary” or “an increase in a stake.”
Consultant recommends millions in raises for R.I. state workers
The Providence JournalTrump’s shutdown threat raises stakes in looming funding battle
Press HeraldAurora City Council considering pay raise for elected officials
Aurora News Register
On the other hand, the term raze is used as a verb which means “to completely destroy a building, town, or other site.”
Jefferson Avenue Business Owners Had Planned To Raze Fire-Ravaged Building in Moundsville
Wheeling IntelligencerAffordable housing development to raze historic Tenderloin auto shop
San Francisco ExaminerState rep wants to raze Charlotte Dairy Queen, double its size
Lansing State Journal
Now that you’ve determined the differences between raise and raze in use and meaning, hopefully, you would be able to use them correctly in your sentences.
