Återuppstå

Återuppstå is a Swedish verb that means to rise again, often after death or after a period of dormancy. It can describe literal resurrection, but also figurative revivals, such as a tradition, movement, or enterprise that returns after a decline. In religious contexts it commonly denotes a resurrection, for example in reference to Jesus återuppstod från de döda. In secular usage it may describe a renewed life or vitality of something that had waned.

Etymology inne: the word is formed by åter meaning “again” and uppstå meaning “to arise” or “to come up,” together conveying the sense of coming back to life or reappearing. The construction is common in Swedish for describing dramatic or transformative returns and draws on long-standing religious and literary associations with rising anew.

Usage and nuance: återuppstå is typically used for the subject itself returning to life or existence. It can appear in historical, mythological, or narrative contexts, as well as in contemporary discourse about revival after a crisis. In medical or practical contexts, speakers more often use terms like återuppliva or väcka till liv to describe reviving someone or something, whereas återuppstå emphasizes a complete or symbolic coming back rather than a simple recovery.

Forms: infinitive återuppstå, present återuppstår, past återuppstod, supine återuppstått. Related terms include återuppståndelse (resurrection), återuppväcka (to awaken someone to life or vigor), och återuppliva (to revive or resuscitate).

See also: Resurrection, Resuscitation, Revival.