Emergent vs. Emerging — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Emergent refers to something that has already arisen and is currently visible, while emerging describes a process of coming into existence or attention gradually.
Difference Between Emergent and Emerging
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Emergent phenomena or situations are those that have already surfaced or become apparent, often unexpectedly. On the other hand, emerging phenomena are still in the process of development, slowly gaining visibility or recognition.
Emergent technologies are usually those that have recently come into practice and are being observed for their impacts and applications. Whereas emerging technologies are still in their developmental phases, with ongoing research and experimentation shaping their future use.
In the context of markets, an emergent market is one that has newly arrived at a stage of noticeable growth or impact. Conversely, an emerging market is recognized for its potential growth and is in the process of evolving into a more significant economic force.
Emergent leaders in a community or organization are those who have already assumed leadership roles due to immediate needs or crises. Meanwhile, emerging leaders are individuals who are identified as potential future leaders and are often in the midst of leadership development programs.
In ecology, emergent properties are those that manifest from complex systems where the whole is more than the sum of its parts, already observable. In contrast, emerging properties are characteristics that are expected to appear as the system evolves and interacts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Already appeared and noticeable
In the process of coming into view or being known
Context of Use
Often used in discussions of phenomena or technologies that are currently visible
Commonly refers to processes or technologies still developing
Implication
Indicates a recent arrival into relevance or visibility
Suggests ongoing development and potential future significance
Examples
Emergent political movements, emergent properties in science
Emerging markets, emerging technologies
Time Frame
Immediate and current
Gradual and evolving
Compare with Definitions
Emergent
Occurring as a result of complex causes.
The emergent behavior in the software was unpredictable.
Emerging
Beginning to develop.
The emerging technology could revolutionize energy storage.
Emergent
Arising unexpectedly.
The emergent crisis required immediate action.
Emerging
Becoming apparent or noticeable.
Emerging trends in fashion are often observed in youth culture.
Emergent
Manifesting suddenly.
An emergent leader took charge during the upheaval.
Emerging
Developing into a new phase.
Emerging economies attract significant foreign investments.
Emergent
Newly formed or prominent.
Emergent technologies often disrupt existing markets.
Emerging
Gradually moving into a role or market.
He is an emerging leader in the community.
Emergent
Visible and present.
The emergent symptoms suggested a new disease.
Emerging
Coming into existence.
Emerging artists often struggle to gain recognition.
Emergent
Coming into view, existence, or notice
Emergent spring shoots.
An emergent political leader.
Emerging
Emerging is the title of the only album by the Phil Keaggy Band, released in 1977 on NewSong Records. The album was re-released on CD in 2000 as ReEmerging with a different track listing, including four newly recorded songs by the original band members.
Emergent
Emerging
Emergent nations.
Emerging
Newly formed or just coming into prominence; emergent
Emerging markets.
An overview of the emerging states of Africa in the 1960s.
Emergent
Rising above a surrounding medium, especially a fluid.
Emerging
Becoming prominent; emergent; rising.
Emergent
Of or relating to aquatic plants such as cattails or rushes that are rooted below a body of water or in an area that is periodically submerged but extend above the water level.
Emerging
Present participle of emerge
Emergent
Relating to an exceptionally tall tree whose crown extends well above the level of the upper canopy.
Emerging
Emergence
Emergent
Arising or occurring unexpectedly
Money laid aside for emergent contingencies.
Emerging
Coming into view;
As newly emerging emotions and ideas well up in him
Emergent
Demanding prompt action; urgent.
Emerging
Coming into existence;
A nascent republic
Emergent
Occurring as a consequence; resultant
Economic problems emergent from the restriction of credit.
Emerging
Coming to maturity;
The rising generation
Emergent
One that is emerging or coming into view or existence.
Emergent
An emergent aquatic plant.
Emergent
An emergent tree.
Emergent
Emerging; coming into view or into existence; nascent; new.
Emergent
Arising unexpectedly, especially if also calling for immediate reaction.
Emergent
Constituting an emergency.
Emergent
(botany) Taller than the surrounding vegetation.
Emergent
Having leaves and flowers above the water.
Emergent
(video games) Having gameplay that arises from its mechanics, rather than a linear storyline.
Emergent
Having properties as a whole that are more complex than the properties contributed by each of the components individually.
Emergent
(botany) A plant whose root system grows underwater, but whose shoot, leaves and flowers grow up and above the water.
Emergent
Rising or emerging out of a fluid or anything that covers or conceals; issuing; coming to light.
The mountains huge appear emergent.
Emergent
Suddenly appearing; arising unexpectedly; calling for prompt action; urgent.
Protection granted in emergent danger.
Emergent
Coming into existence;
A nascent republic
Common Curiosities
How does an emerging market differ from an emergent market?
An emerging market is still developing and showing potential for growth, whereas an emergent market has already achieved a new level of growth or recognition.
What examples can illustrate emergent behavior?
Emergent behavior can be seen in social movements that suddenly gain momentum and widespread support.
What is an emergent technology?
Emergent technology refers to new tools or systems that have recently been developed and are now becoming prominent.
What role do emergent leaders play in organizations?
Emergent leaders quickly take on leadership roles in response to urgent needs or unexpected changes within an organization.
How does one identify an emergent trend?
An emergent trend can often be identified through sudden changes in patterns or a rapid increase in popularity and relevance.
Can a situation be both emergent and emerging?
Yes, a situation can begin as emerging while it is developing and become emergent as it becomes clearly visible or dominant.
What is the significance of emerging artists in the art world?
Emerging artists are vital for the dynamism of the art scene, bringing fresh perspectives and evolving the standards of artistic expression.
How can businesses capitalize on emerging technologies?
Businesses can capitalize on emerging technologies by adopting them early and innovating their processes and products to gain a competitive edge.
How do emerging technologies impact industries?
Emerging technologies can lead to new industry standards and disrupt existing business models by introducing innovative solutions.
Why are emerging markets important to investors?
Emerging markets are important because they offer high growth potential, often resulting in higher returns on investments.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
