Appraise vs. Apprise: Difference and Examples
The words appraise and apprise look very similar and are often confused because their spellings differ by only one letter. However, their meanings are completely different. Appraise relates to evaluating or assessing the value or quality of something, while apprise means to inform or notify someone about something. Understanding the difference between these two words helps avoid mistakes in writing and ensures clear communication.
1. Appraise
Meaning & Part of Speech: Verb — To evaluate, assess, estimate, or determine the value, quality, or condition of something.
Explanation: It is often used when judging the worth, importance, or condition of an object, property, or performance. Professionals such as property experts, jewelers, or managers often appraise items or work to determine their value or effectiveness. The word can also refer to carefully examining something in order to make a fair judgment. In many contexts, appraise involves analysis and comparison before reaching a conclusion. Overall, it focuses on the process of making an informed evaluation.
Example: The expert came to appraise the value of the antique painting.
Explanation: In this sentence, appraise means that the expert carefully examined the painting in order to determine how valuable it was.
More Examples:
- The manager will appraise the employees’ performance at the end of the year.
- A jeweller was asked to appraise the diamond ring.
- The bank hired a specialist to appraise the property.
- The teacher took time to appraise the students’ projects.
- Experts carefully appraised the artwork before the auction.
Related Words: Evaluate, Assess, Estimate, Judge, Examine
2. Apprise
Meaning & Part of Speech: Verb — To inform, notify, or make someone aware of something (usually followed by "of").
Explanation: It is commonly used in formal communication when someone needs to provide important information to another person. When you apprise someone of a situation, you are giving them details so that they understand what is happening. The word often appears in professional or official contexts such as reports, announcements, or updates. It emphasizes the act of communicating information clearly and responsibly. In simple terms, apprise means to tell or inform someone about something important.
Example: Please apprise me of any changes to the meeting schedule.
Explanation: In this sentence, apprise means to inform or notify someone if the meeting time or schedule changes.
More Examples:
- The manager apprised the team of the new company policy.
- She promised to apprise him of the latest developments.
- The teacher apprised the students of the exam rules.
- Please apprise the staff about the upcoming event.
- The officer apprised the public of the safety measures.
Related Words: Inform, Notify, Tell, Brief, Update
Summary
Although appraise and apprise look almost the same, they have very different meanings. Appraise means to evaluate or determine the value or quality of something, while apprise means to inform or notify someone about something. A simple way to remember the difference is that appraise has an a for assess or asstimate, while apprise has an i for inform.
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct word (appraise or apprise) to complete the sentences.
- The expert will __________ the value of the old painting.
- Please __________ me of any changes in the schedule.
- The manager will __________ employee performance this month.
- She promised to __________ the team of the latest updates.
- The jeweller was asked to __________ the value of the necklace.