Appraise vs. Apprize: What’s the Deal?

10 0 Confusing Words

March 2, 2024

Ever get those two words mixed up?

You’re definitely not alone! “Appraise” and “apprize” sound super similar, and it feels like they could mean the same thing.

But here’s the thing – they actually have totally different meanings. It’s one of those weird English language quirks that can trip us all up.

Let’s break down the difference so this stops bugging you.

All About “Appraise”

Think of “appraise” like you’re putting a price tag on something. It’s all about figuring out the value of something. Here’s how you’d use it:

“The real estate agent will appraise the house before it goes on the market.”
“I need to get my antique jewelry collection appraised for insurance purposes.”
“That classic car you have, has it ever been professionally appraised?”

That’s Where “Apprize” Gets Tricky

Okay, “apprize” is the sneaky one. Its main meaning is to inform or tell someone about something. Here are some examples:

“Please apprise me of the situation as soon as you have an update.”
“The boss will apprise us of any changes to the project timeline.”
“Did they apprise you of the potential risks involved?”

Now, here’s where it gets a bit muddled. “Apprize” does have a super rare, less common meaning that’s similar to “appraise.” But this usage pops up so infrequently that it’s safest to think of “apprize” as strictly meaning “to inform.”

Why the Confusion?

Honestly, it probably comes down to the similar spelling and sound. Plus, lots of words in English have multiple meanings!

Here’s the thing, though— if you want to make sure you’re using these words correctly, the best way is to remember this simple rule:

Appraise = Assign a value
Apprize = Inform or notify

Can You Use “Apprize” Like “Appraise”?

Technically, yes, but it’s really not common. Some dictionaries might list it as an alternate spelling for “appraise”, but you’ll almost always sound more clear and precise using “appraise” when talking about value or worth.