Meaning
The phrasal verb “rise above” means to overcome difficulties, negative emotions, or challenges and not be controlled or affected by them. It can also mean to achieve a higher moral or intellectual position than others.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Phrasal verb
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Verb type: Intransitive (does not take a direct object)
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Typical patterns:
- rise above + difficulty/problem/situation → to not be influenced by something negative.
- rise above + criticism/temptation → to remain unaffected and show strength of character.
Common Phrases
- rise above difficulties
- rise above criticism
- rise above temptation
- rise above circumstances
- rise above the noise
Collocations
- verb + rise above: try to rise above, manage to rise above
- rise above + noun: problems, hardships, negativity, conflict, mediocrity
- adverb + rise above: successfully rise above, truly rise above
Examples
- She managed to rise above the harsh criticism and continued with her work.
- A good leader knows how to rise above personal emotions to make fair decisions.
- Despite the difficulties, he rose above his circumstances and achieved success.
- The athlete had to rise above injury and doubt to win the championship.
- It’s not easy to rise above temptation when you’re under stress.
- True wisdom helps us rise above petty arguments.
- He decided to rise above the negative comments and focus on his goals.
Synonyms or Related
- overcome
- conquer
- transcend
- prevail over
- get over
Antonym
- give in (to)
- succumb (to)
- be defeated by
- surrender to