Many English learners confuse apprised and appraised because the words look and sound very similar. Both are formal English words, and both are often used in professional or business situations.
However, their meanings are completely different. One relates to giving information, while the other relates to judging value or quality.
Because of their similar spelling and pronunciation, people often accidentally choose the wrong word in writing.
This guide explains the difference in very simple English with clear examples and beginner friendly tips.
Quick Answer
- Apprised means informed or told about something
- Appraised means evaluated or judged the value of something
- Apprised relates to information
- Appraised relates to value or assessment
Simple Origin or Background
Both words come from old French and Latin roots related to value and understanding.
Over time:
- apprise developed the meaning “to inform”
- appraise developed the meaning “to estimate value”
Because the spellings are almost identical, learners often confuse them.
Clear Explanation of the Difference
What does “apprised” mean
Apprised is the past form of apprise.
It means:
- Informed
- Told about something
- Made aware
Examples:
- She was apprised of the situation
- The manager apprised staff of the changes
- We were apprised of the delay earlier today
This word is usually used in formal communication.
What does “appraised” mean
Appraised is the past form of appraise.
It means:
- Evaluated
- Estimated value
- Judged quality or worth
Examples:
- The house was appraised at two hundred thousand dollars
- Experts appraised the painting
- The jewelry was professionally appraised
This word is commonly used for money, property, or performance evaluation.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Apprised | Appraised |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Informed or notified | Evaluated or valued |
| Related to | Information and awareness | Value and assessment |
| Common use | Formal communication | Property or performance |
| Example | Apprised of changes | Appraised the house |
Which One to Use and When
Use apprised when:
- Talking about informing someone
- Referring to updates or notifications
- Discussing awareness
Examples:
- Staff were apprised of new policies
- He apprised me of the meeting time
Use appraised when:
- Talking about value or quality
- Referring to property or objects
- Discussing evaluations
Examples:
- The building was appraised last month
- Experts appraised the artwork carefully
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Using “appraised” for information
Wrong:
- She appraised me of the problem
Correct:
- She apprised me of the problem
2. Using “apprised” for property value
Wrong:
- The car was apprised at ten thousand dollars
Correct:
- The car was appraised at ten thousand dollars
3. Forgetting meaning categories
Remember:
- apprised = informed
- appraised = valued
4. Confusing spelling because of similarity
The words look almost identical but mean different things.
Everyday Real Life Examples
In Emails
- Employees were apprised of schedule changes
- The property was appraised recently
In News
- Officials apprised citizens of safety concerns
- Experts appraised the damaged building
On Social Media
- I was finally apprised of the updates
- The antique was appraised for insurance purposes
In Daily Conversations
- Please keep me apprised of developments
- The jeweler appraised the ring
Short Learning Section for Students and Beginners
1. Learn the simple meanings
- apprised = informed
- appraised = valued
2. Think about context
Ask:
- Is it about information
or - Is it about value
3. Practice simple examples
- She apprised us of the news
- They appraised the home
4. Use memory tricks
- apprised = aware
- appraised = price or value
FAQ Section
1. What does “apprised” mean
It means informed or notified.
2. What does “appraised” mean
It means evaluated or valued.
3. Which word relates to property value
Appraised.
4. Which word relates to information
Apprised.
5. Are these words pronounced similarly
Yes.
6. Is “keep me apprised” correct
Yes.
7. Can objects be appraised
Yes.
Example:
- Houses, jewelry, and artwork can be appraised.
8. How can I remember the difference
Remember:
- apprised = aware
- appraised = price or value
Conclusion
The difference between apprised and appraised becomes simple once you focus on meaning.
- Apprised means informed or made aware
- Appraised means evaluated or judged for value
A simple memory trick:
- apprised = aware
- appraised = value assessed
With practice and clear examples, you can use both words correctly and confidently.
