Apprised vs. Appraised – Which is Correct?

The choice between apprised and appraised depends entirely on the intended meaning, as both are correct English words with distinct definitions. Apprised means to inform or notify someone, while appraised means to assess the value or quality of something. They are not interchangeable.

Apprised or Appraised – Which is Correct?

Both “apprised” and “appraised” are correct verbs in American English, but they carry fundamentally different meanings. The confusion often arises from their similar sound and spelling. To distinguish them, remember that “apprised” relates to giving information, akin to “advised,” while “appraised” relates to assessing value, like an “appraisal” of property. A simple “swap test” can help: if you mean “informed,” use “apprised”; if you mean “evaluated,” use “appraised.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Apprised	Verb	To inform or notify someone of something.	The manager apprised the team of the upcoming changes.
Appraised	Verb	To assess the value or quality of something.	The jeweler appraised the antique watch at a high value.

How to Use Apprised

To be apprised of something means to be informed or made aware of it. This term is often used in formal or professional contexts, particularly when conveying important information or updates. It implies a comprehensive understanding of the situation, not just a casual mention. It’s typically followed by “of” and then the subject being informed about.

Example 1: Please keep me apprised of any developments regarding the project deadline.

Example 2: The ambassador was fully apprised of the delicate diplomatic situation before the meeting.

Example 3: Before making a decision, ensure you are thoroughly apprised of all the facts.

What are the different forms of Apprised?

The verb “apprise” follows standard English conjugation. Its primary forms are:

• Base form: apprise
• Past simple: apprised
• Past participle: apprised
• Present participle: apprising
• Third-person singular present: apprises

Etymology of the word Apprised

The word “apprise” comes from the Old French “apriser,” meaning “to value, set a price on,” which evolved from Latin “appretiare.” However, its meaning shifted in English around the 17th century to “inform,” possibly influenced by the French word “apprendre” (to learn, to teach) or by confusion with “advise.” This semantic shift is partly responsible for the modern confusion with “appraise.”

How to Use Appraised

To appraise something means to evaluate its worth, quality, or condition. This action often involves a formal assessment, such as determining the monetary value of property or reviewing an employee’s performance. It implies a careful, expert judgment rather than a simple guess.

Example 1: A professional will appraise the house before it goes on the market.

Example 2: The manager will appraise her employees’ performance at the end of the fiscal year.

Example 3: We need to appraise the risks associated with this new investment opportunity.

What are the different forms of Appraised?

The verb “appraise” also follows standard English conjugation. Its primary forms are:

• Base form: appraise
• Past simple: appraised
• Past participle: appraised
• Present participle: appraising
• Third-person singular present: appraises

Etymology of the word Appraised

The word “appraise” comes directly from the Old French “aprisier,” meaning “to set a price on, value,” which itself is derived from the Latin “appretiare” (to value, estimate). This etymology clearly ties “appraise” to the concept of monetary or qualitative evaluation, maintaining its original meaning consistently through its linguistic history.

Related Concepts

The distinction between “apprised” and “appraised” highlights the importance of understanding verbs of communication versus verbs of evaluation. “Apprised” falls into the category of communication verbs, focusing on the transfer of knowledge or information. Verbs like “inform,” “notify,” “advise,” and “update” share this function. “Appraised,” on the other hand, is an evaluation verb, concerned with making judgments about worth, quality, or significance. Other evaluation verbs include “assess,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” and “judge.” Recognizing these broader categories can help solidify the distinct uses of “apprised” and “appraised.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The President was fully apprised of the situation in the Middle East before making his statement.” (News Report)
• “It is imperative that all stakeholders are apprised of the potential risks involved in this venture.” (Business Document)
• “Before purchasing the antique, she had it professionally appraised to ensure its authenticity and value.” (Fictional Novel)
• “The art critic appraised the new exhibition, noting its innovative use of color and form.” (Art Review)
• “The committee was apprised of the new safety regulations during their quarterly meeting.” (Official Minutes)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The real estate agent will ______ the property’s market value next week.
2. Please keep me fully ______ of your progress on the research paper.
3. Before selling the family heirlooms, they decided to have them ______ by an expert.
4. The board members were ______ of the financial irregularities by the auditor.
5. It’s important to ______ the risks thoroughly before committing to a new project.

Answer Key

1. appraise
2. apprised
3. appraised
4. apprised
5. appraise

Apprised Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Inform	To give facts or information.
Notify	To formally tell someone about something.
Advise	To offer suggestions or counsel.
Update	To provide the latest information.
Enlighten	To give someone greater knowledge and understanding.

Appraised Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Assess	To evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.
Estimate	To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of.
Evaluate	To form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.
Judge	To form an opinion or conclusion about.
Rate	To assign a particular rank or standard to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can “apprised” and “appraised” ever be used interchangeably?
No, “apprised” and “appraised” have entirely different meanings and cannot be used interchangeably without changing the sentence’s intended message. “Apprised” is about informing, while “appraised” is about evaluating.

Question 2: How can I remember the difference between “apprised” and “appraised”?
Think of “apprised” as being “advised” or “informed.” For “appraised,” think of “appraisal,” which is an evaluation of value. The ‘i’ in ‘apprised’ can remind you of ‘informed’, and the ‘a’ in ‘appraised’ can remind you of ‘assessment’.

Question 3: Is one word more formal than the other?
Both “apprised” and “appraised” are considered formal verbs. They are commonly used in professional, legal, or official contexts. Neither is inherently more formal than the other; their formality depends on the context in which they are used to convey their specific meanings.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between apprised and appraised is crucial for clear and precise communication. While their similar sounds and spellings can be confusing, remembering that “apprised” means to inform and “appraised” means to evaluate will guide you to the correct usage. Paying attention to these nuances not only enhances your vocabulary but also ensures your message is accurately received.

Pro Tip: In professional settings, using the wrong word can lead to misunderstandings or even diminish your credibility. Always double-check when using words that sound alike but have different meanings to maintain a strong professional reputation.