Meeting vs. Appointment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Meeting involves a group gathering for discussion or decision-making, while an appointment is usually a one-on-one interaction focused on specific issues or services.
Difference Between Meeting and Appointment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A meeting typically refers to a situation where multiple participants come together to discuss, deliberate, or make decisions on various topics. On the other hand, an appointment generally involves a one-on-one encounter or a small group meeting for a specific, often pre-arranged purpose such as medical consultation, professional services, or personal discussions.
Meetings are often structured with an agenda and are used in business, academic, or organizational contexts to facilitate collaboration and information exchange. Whereas appointments are more likely to be personal or professional engagements that address specific individual needs or services.
In terms of scheduling, meetings usually require coordinating the availability of several individuals and might involve logistical considerations like room bookings and technology setup. On the other hand, appointments are typically scheduled directly with an individual service provider, often using tools like calendars or appointment scheduling software.
Meetings can vary significantly in length, from short briefings to extended sessions spanning several hours or even days. In contrast, appointments are generally of fixed duration, designed to efficiently deal with specific issues within a set timeframe.
The outcome of a meeting might include decisions, action plans, or the generation of new ideas, which can influence the operations of a whole organization or group. Conversely, the result of an appointment is usually more focused on resolving personal issues or advancing specific agendas of the attendees.
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Comparison Chart
Participants
Multiple individuals
Usually one-on-one or small group
Purpose
Discussion, decision making, information exchange
Specific service or personal issue
Scheduling
Requires coordinating multiple schedules
Directly arranged with service provider
Duration
Can vary widely
Typically fixed and concise
Outcome
Broader decisions affecting groups or organizations
Personal resolution or specific service
Compare with Definitions
Meeting
An assembly or conference of persons for a specific purpose.
The board called a meeting to vote on the new policy.
Appointment
The act of appointing or designating someone for a position or duty.
His appointment to the board was well received.
Meeting
An encounter or appointment at which the participants meet face-to-face.
We scheduled a meeting to finalize the details.
Appointment
An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place.
She made an appointment with her doctor for 10 a.m.
Meeting
A gathering of people to discuss a particular topic.
The team held a meeting to discuss the project’s progress.
Appointment
An engagement or scheduled session for professional services.
He confirmed his appointment with the financial advisor.
Meeting
An official or formal congregation of people, usually by invitation.
The annual shareholders’ meeting is next month.
Appointment
A job or position to which someone is appointed.
She received her appointment as the new marketing director.
Meeting
A planned occasion for formal or informal discourse.
The department meeting happens every Monday morning.
Appointment
A fixed mutual agreement for a meeting at a prearranged time and place.
They set an appointment to discuss the contract.
Meeting
A meeting is when two or more people come together to discuss one or more topics, often in a formal or business setting, but meetings also occur in a variety of other environments. Many various types of meetings exist.
Appointment
The act of appointing or designating someone for an office or position.
Meeting
The act or process or an instance of coming together; an encounter.
Appointment
The office or position to which one has been appointed.
Meeting
An assembly or gathering of people, as for a business, social, or religious purpose.
Appointment
An arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place.
Meeting
The act of persons or things that meet.
Meeting him will be exciting.
I enjoy meeting new people.
Appointment
Appointments Furnishings, fittings, or equipment.
Meeting
A gathering of persons for a purpose; an assembly.
We need to have a meeting about that soon.
Appointment
(Law) The act of directing the disposition of property by virtue of a power granted for this purpose.
Meeting
(collective) The people at such a gathering.
What has the meeting decided.
Appointment
The act of appointing a person to hold an office or to have a position of trust
His appointment as treasurer was deemed suitable.
Meeting
An encounter between people, even accidental.
They came together in a chance meeting on the way home from work.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to a service or office; an office to which one is appointed
The appointment of treasurer
Meeting
A place or instance of junction or intersection; a confluence.
Earthquakes occur at the meeting of tectonic plates.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement.
Meeting
A religious service held by a charismatic preacher in small towns in the United States.
Appointment
An arrangement between people to meet; an engagement.
They made an appointment to meet at six.
I'm leaving work early because I have a doctor's appointment.
Meeting
(Quakerism) An administrative unit in the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).
Denver meeting is a part of Intermountain yearly meeting.
Appointment
(religion) Decree; direction; established order or constitution.
To submit to the divine appointments.
Meeting
Present participle of meet
Appointment
(law) The exercise of the power of designating (under a power of appointment) a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Meeting
A coming together; an assembling; as, the meeting of Congress.
Appointment
(government) The assignment of a person by an official to perform a duty, such as a presidential appointment of a judge to a court.
Meeting
A junction, crossing, or union; as, the meeting of the roads or of two rivers.
Appointment
(in the plural) Equipment, furniture.
Meeting
A congregation; a collection of people; a convention; as, a large meeting; an harmonious meeting.
Appointment
(US) An honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college.
To have an appointment
Meeting
An assembly for worship; as, to attend meeting on Sunday; - in England, applied distinctively and disparagingly to the worshiping assemblies of Dissenters.
Appointment
(obsolete) The allowance paid to a public officer.
Meeting
A formally arranged gathering;
Next year the meeting will be in Chicago
The meeting elected a chairperson
Appointment
The act of appointing; designation of a person to hold an office or discharge a trust; as, he erred by the appointment of unsuitable men.
Meeting
The social act of assembling for some common purpose;
His meeting with the salesmen was the high point of his day
Appointment
The state of being appointed to som service or office; an office to which one is appointed; station; position; an, the appointment of treasurer.
Meeting
A small informal social gathering;
There was an informal meeting in my livingroom
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement. Hence:: Arrangement for a meeting; engagement; as, they made an appointment to meet at six.
Meeting
A casual or unexpected convergence;
He still remembers their meeting in Paris
There was a brief encounter in the hallway
Appointment
Decree; direction; established order or constitution; as, to submit to the divine appointments.
According to the appointment of the priests.
Meeting
The act of joining together as one;
The merging of the two groups occurred quickly
There was no meeting of minds
Appointment
The exercise of the power of designating (under a "power of appointment") a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Meeting
A place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers);
Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers
Appointment
Equipment, furniture, as for a ship or an army; whatever is appointed for use and management; outfit; (pl.) the accouterments of military officers or soldiers, as belts, sashes, swords.
The cavaliers emulated their chief in the richness of their appointments.
I'll prove it in my shackles, with these handsVoid of appointment, that thou liest.
Appointment
An allowance to a person, esp. to a public officer; a perquisite; - properly only in the plural.
An expense proportioned to his appointments and fortune is necessary.
Appointment
A honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college; as, to have an appointment.
Appointment
The act of putting a person into a non-elective position;
The appointment had to be approved by the whole committee
Appointment
A meeting arranged in advance;
She asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date
Appointment
(usually plural) furnishings and equipment (especially for a ship or hotel)
Appointment
A person who is appointed to a job or position
Appointment
The job to which you are (or hope to be) appointed;
He applied for an appointment in the treasury
Appointment
(law) the act of disposing of property by virtue of the power of appointment;
She allocated part of the trust to her church by appointment
Common Curiosities
Can an appointment involve more than two people?
Yes, appointments can involve small groups, especially for professional services or team consultations.
What is the main difference between a meeting and an appointment?
A meeting usually involves multiple people and focuses on discussion or decision-making, while an appointment is a one-on-one or small group interaction with a specific agenda.
How should one prepare for a meeting compared to an appointment?
Preparation for a meeting might involve reviewing an agenda or preparing materials to share, while an appointment might require bringing specific documents or preparing questions.
Is it more common to use technology in meetings or appointments?
Technology is commonly used in both settings for scheduling and conducting virtual sessions, though it might be more complex in meetings due to the number of participants.
Is there a typical setting for meetings and appointments?
Meetings are often held in office settings, conference rooms, or virtually. Appointments can occur in offices, clinics, restaurants, or even remotely, depending on the nature of the meeting.
How long does a typical meeting last compared to an appointment?
The length of a meeting can vary significantly, from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on its purpose and agenda, while appointments are generally shorter and more time-constrained, often lasting between 15 minutes to an hour.
Are meetings more formal than appointments?
Meetings can be either formal or informal, but they are generally more structured compared to personal appointments.
What types of topics are typically discussed in a meeting versus an appointment?
Meetings often cover broader topics affecting a group or organization, such as strategic plans or project updates, whereas appointments usually focus on specific personal or professional issues like health consultations or legal advice.
Are appointments always professional in nature?
Not necessarily. Appointments can be professional, like a business consultation, or personal, such as a lunch date or a meeting with a teacher.
Can a meeting be considered an appointment?
In some contexts, a meeting can be considered a type of appointment, especially if it is scheduled and involves a specific set of participants and agenda. However, appointments are generally more personal and focused.
What is the etiquette for arranging a meeting compared to an appointment?
Both require timely and clear communication. For meetings, it’s important to send agendas and invites in advance; for appointments, confirming the time, place, and purpose is crucial.
How do cancellations affect meetings compared to appointments?
Cancellations can disrupt both, but the impact might be greater for meetings due to the involvement of multiple schedules. Appointment cancellations generally affect fewer people.
How often do meetings occur compared to appointments?
This can vary widely based on the context. Some professionals have daily meetings, while others might schedule appointments more sporadically, based on need.
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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.
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.
