Appraise and Apprise: Definition and Synonyms
Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase appraise and apprise consists of two distinct verbs, each with its own definition:
- Appraise: To assess or evaluate the value or quality of something.
- Apprise: To inform someone about a particular matter.
Both words are primarily used as transitive verbs, meaning they require an object to complete their meaning.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table listing key synonyms for “appraise” and “apprise,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and typical usage contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluate | Assess the value or significance of something. | “The committee will evaluate the project.” | Formal/Academic |
| Estimate | Make an educated guess about the worth or extent. | “He estimated the cost to be around $500.” | Business/Formal |
| Assess | Examine and judge formally. | “The teacher assessed the students’ essays.” | Academic/Professional |
| Inform | Provide information to someone. | “She informed her colleagues about the change.” | Casual/Formal |
| Notify | Officially announce something to someone. | “He was notified of his promotion via email.” | Business/Professional |
| Advise | Offer suggestions or recommendations. | “The lawyer advised her client on legal options.” | Formal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Appraise and its synonyms are often used in contexts where formal evaluation is required, such as real estate (appraise), business settings (evaluate, assess), and academic work (estimate).
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In a business context, you might use “evaluate” or “assess” when discussing performance reviews: “We need to evaluate the team’s quarterly results.”
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Apprise and its synonyms are commonly used in communication contexts where information needs to be relayed clearly and often formally.
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In a workplace scenario, “inform” might be more casual while “notify” or “advise” could imply a formal announcement: “I will inform you of any updates,” versus “Please notify all staff about the new policy.”
Common Pitfalls
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Appraise vs. Apprise: It’s crucial to distinguish between these verbs as they serve different functions—valuation vs. information sharing.
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Mixing up “evaluate” and “estimate” can sometimes cause confusion; remember that “evaluate” involves a more thorough analysis, while “estimate” often implies approximation.
Final Recap
In summary, appraise involves assessing the value of something, with synonyms including evaluate, estimate, and assess. On the other hand, apprise means to inform someone about a particular matter, with synonyms like inform, notify, and advise. Understanding these nuances can enhance your communication skills across various contexts.
To solidify your understanding, try crafting sentences using these synonyms in different scenarios—be it writing an academic paper, conducting a business meeting, or engaging in casual conversation. This practice will help you choose the most appropriate word for each context.