Ask Difference

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.
Emergent vs. Emerging — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Emergent and Emerging

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba 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.

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