Appoint vs. Nominate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 22, 2024
Appoint refers to the act of officially assigning someone to a position or role, while nominate involves proposing someone for a position, often subject to approval.
Difference Between Appoint and Nominate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Appoint is the final step in giving someone an official role or position, typically after a selection process. Whereas nominate refers to the initial step of suggesting someone for a position, which usually requires subsequent confirmation or approval.
Appoint is used when a person or authority has the definitive power to place someone in a role, often without requiring further consent. On the other hand, nominate often implies a recommendation subject to further scrutiny or voting, such as in governmental or corporate settings.
Appoint can be seen in contexts where the authority is not disputed, such as a company executive assigning managers. While nominate is common in democratic processes or situations where a nominee must be vetted by others, like in presidential appointments requiring Senate confirmation.
Appoint generally means the person will definitely assume the role, barring extraordinary circumstances. Whereas nominate indicates the beginning of a process that may or may not result in appointment, depending on various factors such as political approval or other qualifications.
Appoint emphasizes the authority of the appointer and the certainty of the decision. Whereas nominate underscores the procedural aspect, including the need for acceptance and endorsement from others involved in the decision-making process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To officially assign someone to a position
To propose someone for a position
Requirement
Authority of the appointer
Approval from others
Context
Executive decisions, job assignments
Political nominations, awards
Implication
Decision is final
Beginning of a selection process
Outcome
Person takes on the role
Person may or may not take on the role
Compare with Definitions
Appoint
To assign someone to a position or role officially.
The CEO appointed her as the new director of marketing.
Nominate
To officially suggest a candidate for election.
The party nominated him as their presidential candidate.
Appoint
To equip or furnish.
The committee was appointed with high-quality resources for the project.
Nominate
To submit for consideration.
He nominated his idea for the innovation challenge.
Appoint
To decide by authority.
The court appointed a date for the hearing.
Nominate
To put forward as a candidate in a competition or award.
His film was nominated for several awards.
Appoint
To fix or set officially.
They appointed the meeting for 10:00 AM.
Nominate
To name or suggest publicly.
The professor was nominated by her peers for the award.
Appoint
To designate or name officially.
He was appointed as the ambassador to France.
Nominate
To propose someone for an office or position.
She was nominated for the board of directors.
Appoint
Assign a job or role to (someone)
She has been appointed to the board
They appointed her as personnel manager
Nominate
Propose or formally enter as a candidate for election or for an honour or award
The film was nominated for several Oscars
Appoint
Determine or decide on (a time or a place)
They appointed a day in May for the meeting
Nominate
Specify (something) formally, typically the date or place for an event
A day was nominated for the exchange of contracts
Appoint
Decide the disposition of (property of which one is not the owner) under powers granted by the owner
Trustees appoint the capital to the beneficiaries
Nominate
Denoting a race or subspecies which is given the same epithet as the species to which it belongs, e.g. Homo sapiens sapiens
The nominate race and two subspecies occur
Appoint
To select or designate to fill an office or a position
Appointed her the chief operating officer of the company.
Nominate
To propose as a candidate in an election or as one to be considered for an honor or prize
Nominated him as their candidate for mayor.
Was nominated twice for an Academy Award.
Appoint
To fix or set by authority or by mutual agreement
Will appoint a date for the examination.
Nominate
To designate or appoint to an office or responsibility
"A quiet recruit who always does exactly what he is told ... is nominated to take the rap" (Thomas E. Ricks).
Appoint
To furnish; equip
A house that is comfortably appointed.
Nominate
To name someone as a candidate for a particular role or position, including that of an office.
Appoint
(Law) To direct the disposition of (property) to a person or persons in exercise of a power granted for this purpose by a preceding deed.
Nominate
(cue sports) To specify in advance which pocket a ball eill be potted in; to call; to name.
Appoint
(transitive) To set, fix or determine (a time or place for something such as a meeting, or the meeting itself) by authority or agreement.
Nominate
(obsolete) To entitle, confer a name upon.
Appoint
(transitive) To name (someone to a post or role).
Nominate
(zoology) nominotypical
The nominate subspecies
Appoint
(transitive) To furnish or equip (a place) completely; to provide with all the equipment or furnishings necessary; to fit out.
Nominate
To mention by name; to name.
To nominate them all, it is impossible.
Appoint
(transitive) To equip (someone) with (something); to assign (someone) authoritatively (some equipment).
Nominate
To call; to entitle; to denominate.
Appoint
To fix the disposition of (property) by designating someone to take use of (it).
Nominate
To set down in express terms; to state.
Is it so nominated in the bond?
Appoint
To fix with power or firmness by decree or command; to ordain or establish.
Nominate
To name, or designate by name, for an office or place; to appoint; esp., to name as a candidate for an election, choice, or appointment; to propose by name, or offer the name of, as a candidate for an office or place.
Appoint
To resolve; to determine; to ordain.
Nominate
Propose as a candidate for some honor
Appoint
To fix with power or firmness; to establish; to mark out.
When he appointed the foundations of the earth.
Nominate
Put forward; nominate for appointment to an office;
The President nominated her as head of the Civil Rights Commission
Appoint
To fix by a decree, order, command, resolve, decision, or mutual agreement; to constitute; to ordain; to prescribe; to fix the time and place of.
Thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
He hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.
Say that the emperor request a parley . . . and appoint the meeting.
Nominate
Charge with a function; charge to be;
She was named Head of the Committee
She was made president of the club
Appoint
To assign, designate, or set apart by authority.
Aaron and his shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service.
These were cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them.
Nominate
Create and charge with a task or function;
Nominate a committee
Appoint
To furnish in all points; to provide with everything necessary by way of equipment; to equip; to fit out.
The English, being well appointed, did so entertain them that their ships departed terribly torn.
Appoint
To point at by way, or for the purpose, of censure or commendation; to arraign.
Appoint not heavenly disposition.
Appoint
To direct, designate, or limit; to make or direct a new disposition of, by virtue of a power contained in a conveyance; - said of an estate already conveyed.
Appoint
To ordain; to determine; to arrange.
For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel.
Appoint
Create and charge with a task or function;
Nominate a committee
Appoint
Assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to;
He was appointed deputy manager
She was charged with supervising the creation of a concordance
Appoint
Furnish;
A beautifully appointed house
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between appoint and nominate?
Appoint means officially placing someone in a role, while nominate means proposing someone for a role, often requiring further approval.
Does appoint mean the person will definitely get the job?
Yes, appointing someone typically means they will definitely take on the role unless something unusual happens.
Can anyone appoint or nominate?
Appointment usually requires authority or official capacity, whereas nominations can be made by anyone in the relevant context, depending on the rules governing the process.
Can a nominee refuse the nomination?
Yes, nominees can decline a nomination if they do not wish to proceed in the selection process.
Why is nomination important in democratic systems?
Nominations are crucial in democratic systems as they allow for a vetting process, ensuring candidates meet certain standards and receive broader support.
Is there a difference in the level of scrutiny between appointed and nominated roles?
Nominated roles often undergo more scrutiny, especially in public or political contexts, due to the approval process involved.
Are appointed positions permanent?
Appointed positions can be either permanent or temporary, depending on the terms of the appointment.
Do all nominations require confirmation?
Most nominations in formal settings require some form of confirmation or approval, but the specifics can vary widely depending on the context.
What roles are typically involved in nominations?
Roles involving nominations often include political offices, board memberships, and award candidates.
What is the difference in authority between appointing and nominating?
Appointing conveys a definitive authority to place someone in a role, whereas nominating implies a recommendation subject to further approval.
Is a nomination always followed by an appointment?
Not necessarily; a nomination is just a suggestion and depends on approval through voting or other selection processes.
Can appointees be removed from their positions?
Yes, appointees can be removed, typically by the same authority that appointed them or through established legal or organizational procedures.
What is the significance of the appointment process in private companies?
In private companies, the appointment process is key to ensuring that qualified individuals fill critical roles, directly affecting the company's performance and governance.
How do appointments impact an organization?
Appointments can significantly impact an organization by filling key roles and determining leadership structure.
What happens if a nominee is not confirmed?
If a nominee is not confirmed, the position remains unfilled until a new nominee is proposed and confirmed.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
