Appraise: Assessing Value and Worth
Appraise, a verb, involves the evaluation or assessment of the value, worth, or quality of something:
- Valuables and Assets:
Example: “The certified appraiser was hired to appraise the antique jewelry collection.”
Here, appraise denotes the professional assessment of the value of the antique jewelry. - Performance or Quality:
Example: “The manager will appraise the employee’s performance during the annual review.”
In this context, appraise signifies the evaluation of the employee’s performance.
Apprise: Informing and Communicating
Apprise, another verb, is associated with the act of informing or notifying someone about a particular situation:
- Sharing Information:
Example: “He quickly apprised his team of the project’s latest developments.”
Apprise is used here to inform the team about recent developments in the project. - Keeping Informed:
Example: “Please apprise me of any changes to the schedule.”
In this instance, apprise implies the request to be informed about schedule alterations.
Distinguishing Usage:
- Evaluation vs. Communication:
Appraise is about evaluating and assessing the value or quality of something.
Apprise is about communicating or informing someone about a situation or development. - Inanimate vs. Human Subjects:
Appraise often involves inanimate objects, values, or qualities.
Apprise typically involves human subjects and the act of keeping them informed.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Mixing Up Roles:
Incorrect: “I need to appraise you of the project’s progress.”
Correct: “I need to apprise you of the project’s progress.” - Confusing Assessments:
Incorrect: “The manager will apprise the employee’s performance.”
Correct: “The manager will appraise the employee’s performance.”
