Appraise vs. Apprise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 4, 2023
Appraise" means to assess the value or quality of something, while "Apprise" means to inform or notify someone. E.g., "I'll appraise the house's worth," versus "I'll apprise you of the results."
Difference Between Appraise and Apprise
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Key Differences
"Appraise" and "Apprise" may sound similar, but they have entirely different meanings. "Appraise" pertains to the assessment of the value, quality, or nature of something. For instance, a jeweler might appraise a diamond to determine its worth based on its cut, clarity, and carats.
On the other hand, "Apprise" is about informing or notifying someone about something. When a manager says they will apprise their team of the changes in a project, it means they will update the team with the necessary information. It's about communication, not evaluation.
Using either term inaccurately can lead to confusion. Imagine if someone said they'd "appraise" you of a situation. Instead of understanding that they'd inform you about it, you might think they're going to assess or judge the situation's value. Such misunderstandings stress the importance of using the right word.
Moreover, the context in which these words are used can offer clues. "Appraise" often appears in contexts involving valuations, like real estate or antiques. Conversely, "Apprise" would more commonly be found in situations requiring updates or communication of information.
Lastly, while both words are verbs, their objectives differ significantly: "Appraise" seeks to determine worth, while "Apprise" aims to share knowledge or updates.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To assess the value or quality.
To inform or notify someone.
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Usage
Valuation or assessment
Communication or update
Example
"She will appraise the artwork."
"I will apprise him of the developments."
Context
Typically financial or qualitative
Sharing of information or news
Compare with Definitions
Appraise
To assess the value of an item.
The expert will appraise the antique vase.
Apprise
To inform or notify.
Please apprise me of any changes.
Appraise
To judge the quality or character of someone.
It's not my place to appraise her decisions.
Apprise
To give notice to; to inform.
The principal will apprise parents of the new policy.
Appraise
To set a price on; to value for sale.
The dealer appraised the car at $10,000.
Apprise
To brief or fill in.
I need to apprise her of the situation.
Appraise
To estimate the amount, quality, or worth of something.
It's difficult to appraise the company's overall impact.
Apprise
To provide an update on a matter.
He apprised the board about the project's progress.
Appraise
Assess the value or quality of
There is a need to appraise existing techniques
Apprise
To make aware of; to acquaint.
The residents were apprised of the upcoming roadwork.
Appraise
To estimate the price or value of
Appraise a diamond.
Appraise real estate.
Apprise
Inform or tell (someone)
I thought it right to apprise Chris of what had happened
Appraise
To make a considered judgment about; assess or size up
Appraise a threat.
Appraised himself in the mirror.
Apprise
To give notice to; inform
Apprised us of our rights.
Appraise
(transitive) To determine the value or worth of (something), particularly as a person appointed for this purpose.
To appraise goods and chattels
Apprise
To make (someone or oneself) aware of some information; to inform, to notify.
The ears apprise the brain of sound.
Appraise
(transitive) To consider comprehensively.
Apprise
(rare) To formally impart (information) to someone; to advise, to notify.
Appraise
(transitive) To judge the performance of someone, especially a worker.
At the end of the contract, you will be appraised by your line manager.
Apprise
Synonym of appraise
Appraise
(transitive) To estimate; to conjecture.
Apprise
To put a price on (something) for the purpose of sale; to appraise.
Appraise
(transitive) To praise; to commend.
Apprise
To give notice, verbal or written; to inform; - followed by of; as, we will apprise the general of an intended attack; he apprised the commander of what he had done.
Appraise
To apprise, inform.
Apprise
Notice; information.
Appraise
To set a value; to estimate the worth of, particularly by persons appointed for the purpose; as, to appraise goods and chattels.
Apprise
Give information or notice to;
I advised him that the rent was due
Appraise
To estimate; to conjecture.
Enoch . . . appraised his weight.
Apprise
Make aware of;
Have the students been apprised of the tuition hike?
Appraise
To praise; to commend.
Appraised the Lycian custom.
Apprise
Gain in value;
The yen appreciated again!
Appraise
Place a value on; judge the worth of something;
I will have the family jewels appraised by a professional
Apprise
Increase the value of;
The Germans want to appreciate the Deutsche Mark
Appraise
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Appraise
To review or consider with an objective outlook.
The committee will appraise all submissions.
Common Curiosities
Do "Appraise" and "Apprise" have the same meaning?
No, "Appraise" is about assessing value, while "Apprise" means to inform.
What's the main objective of "Apprise"?
"Apprise" aims to share information or updates.
Which word would a real estate agent likely use more?
A real estate agent would more frequently use "Appraise".
Can "Appraise" be used to evaluate someone's performance?
Yes, "Appraise" can be used in the context of judging quality or character.
If I want to update someone on a situation, which word should I use?
Use "Apprise" to update someone.
In what context is "Appraise" most commonly used?
It's often used in contexts like real estate or antiques valuation.
Can I use "Appraise" to mean inform?
No, for informing or notifying, use "Apprise".
Which word relates more to communication?
"Apprise" is about communication.
Which word would I use if I'm talking about a jewelry valuation?
You'd use "Appraise" for jewelry valuation.
Are both "Appraise" and "Apprise" verbs?
Yes, both are verbs.
Is it common for people to mix up "Appraise" and "Apprise"?
Yes, due to their phonetic similarity, they're often confused.
In a business setting, if I'm sharing news, which word is apt?
"Apprise" is apt for sharing news.
When might I see "Apprise" in a sentence?
When someone is being informed or updated about something.
Can "Appraise" also mean to set a selling price?
Yes, "Appraise" can be used to set a price or value for sale.
If I want to make someone aware of a fact, which term should I use?
Use "Apprise" to make someone aware.
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Written 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.
