I am trying to see if I should use raised or reared when speaking of a child.
According to the usage note in Random House Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary, either raise or rear is correct in standard American English.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/raise
http://www.answers.com/topic/raise
When referring to the act of bringing up or nurturing a child, both "raised" and "reared" are correct in standard American English. There is no strict rule dictating which term should be used, and personal preference may play a role in deciding which one to use. It's important to note that regional variations in language may also influence the choice between "raised" and "reared." Ultimately, both terms convey the same meaning and can be used interchangeably in this context.
When deciding whether to use "raised" or "reared" when speaking about a child, both terms are considered acceptable in standard American English. This means that you can choose either one, depending on your personal preference or the specific context in which you are using the word.
If you want to learn more about the differences between "raise" and "rear" and how they are commonly used, you can refer to reliable sources like the Random House Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary. These dictionaries provide information on word usage and can help you make an informed decision.
Here are a couple of resources that you can check for more information:
- Random House Dictionary: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/raise
- The American Heritage Dictionary: http://www.answers.com/topic/raise