Appraise or Apprise?

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Appraise" and "Apprise"?

"Appraise" and "apprise" are often confused. Typically, this confusion arises because a writer does not know the word "apprise" exists.
  • "Appraise" means to assess. For example:
    • I need to appraise the situation. correct tick
  • "Apprise" means to inform. For example:
    • I need to apprise the staff of the latest changes. correct tick

More about "Appraise" and "Apprise"

Writers often use the verb "to appraise" when they mean "to apprise." (This rarely happens the other way around.) This mistake occurs because some writers are unaware that "to apprise" even exists.

Appraise

The verb "to appraise" means to assess or to evaluate.

Here are some example sentences with "appraise":
  • We inspect and appraise pre-owned vehicles. correct tick
    • (We aevaluate pre-owned vehicles.)
  • Managers appraise their subordinates against objectives set in their terms of reference. correct tick
    • (Managers assess their subordinates.)

Apprise

The verb "to apprise" means to inform, to notify, or to tell.

Here are some example sentences with "apprise":
  • Please apprise the patient of the outcome of yesterday's meeting. correct tick
    • (Please inform the patient.)
  • Managers appraise their subordinates of objectives in the terms of reference. wrong cross
    • (This should be "apprise their subordinates of objectives," i.e., notify them.)
appraise or apprise?

A Video Summary

Here is a 2-minute video summarizing the difference between "appraise" and "apprise."

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