raise / rays are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
raise: (noun) the amount a salary is increased. (noun) increasing the size of a bet (as in poker). (verb) raise the level or amount of something. (verb) raise from a lower to a higher position. (verb) cause to be heard or known; express or utter. (verb) collect funds for a specific purpose. (verb) summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic. (verb) construct, build, or erect. (verb) create a disturbance, especially by making a great noise. (verb) cause to puff up with a leaven. (verb) bid (one's partner's suit) at a higher level. (verb) bet more than the previous player. (verb) put forward for consideration or discussion. (verb) pronounce (vowels) by bringing the tongue closer to the roof of the mouth. (verb) activate or stir up. (verb) establish radio communications with. (verb) multiply (a number) by itself a specified number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power 3. (verb) bring (a surface or a design) into relief and cause to project. (verb) invigorate or heighten.
rays: (noun) a branch of an umbel or an umbelliform inflorescence. (noun) (mathematics) a straight line extending from a point. (noun) any of the stiff bony spines in the fin of a fish. (noun) cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins. (verb) emit as rays.
raise: r·EY·z
rays: r·EY·z
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)