Apprise vs. Apprize — What's the Difference?

Apprise is used when the intention is to make someone aware of something, usually through information or news. It involves a direct act of communication, where the emphasis is on the transfer of knowledge or information. Whereas, apprize, though less commonly used in modern English, traditionally relates to assessing the value or worth of something. This distinction places apprise in the realm of communication, while apprize belongs to evaluation or estimation.

When someone is apprised of a situation, it implies that they are being informed or updated about new developments or circumstances. This act of informing can be formal or informal, ranging from official briefings to casual conversations. On the other hand, to apprize something generally means to set a price on it or evaluate its worth, which is a more specialized action, often requiring expertise or judgment.

In professional settings, apprising someone often plays a critical role in decision-making processes, ensuring all parties are well-informed and up-to-date. It facilitates transparency and efficiency, enhancing collective understanding and response. Apprize, in its traditional sense, might be used in contexts like auctions or valuations, where the objective is to establish an item's market value or worth.

The act of apprising can also serve a social function, strengthening relationships through the exchange of information and fostering a sense of community or belonging. Whereas apprizing, given its focus on valuation, is more transactional and less about building interpersonal connections.

It's important to note that in contemporary usage, "apprize" is often seen as a variant spelling of "apprise," leading to some confusion. However, when adhering to the traditional distinctions, each word occupies its own distinct niche—apprise in the domain of information exchange and apprize in the realm of valuation.