Many English learners and even native speakers confuse apprised and appraised because the words look and sound similar.
However, their meanings are completely different. Using the wrong one in writing can change the meaning of a sentence and create confusion, especially in professional, academic, or business communication.
If you have ever wondered whether someone was “apprised of the situation” or “appraised of the situation,” you are not alone.
This guide explains the difference between apprised vs appraised in simple language, with examples, common grammar mistakes, and easy memory tricks to help you use both words correctly every time.
Quick Answer
- Apprised means informed or made aware of something.
- Appraised means evaluated, assessed, or given a value.
Example:
- She was apprised of the meeting changes. ✅
- The house was appraised at $500,000. ✅
A simple trick:
- Apprised = informed
- Appraised = evaluated
What Does “Apprised” Mean?
The word apprised comes from the verb apprise, which means to inform someone or keep them updated about something important.
It is commonly used in formal or professional English, especially in workplaces, legal settings, and official communication.
Examples of “Apprised”
- The manager apprised the team of the new policy.
- Please keep me apprised of any updates.
- Employees were apprised of the schedule change yesterday.
Synonyms of Apprised
Some related words and phrases include:
- informed
- notified
- updated
- advised
- briefed
- made aware
Common Usage
The phrase “keep me apprised” is very common in business English. It simply means:
“Keep me informed.”
What Does “Appraised” Mean?
The word appraised comes from the verb appraise, which means to evaluate, estimate, or determine the value of something.
It is often used in finance, real estate, performance reviews, insurance, and business evaluations.
Examples of “Appraised”
- The antique vase was appraised by an expert.
- Our home was recently appraised before selling.
- The employee’s performance was appraised at the end of the year.
Synonyms of Appraised
Related words include:
- evaluated
- assessed
- estimated
- judged
- valued
- reviewed
Apprised vs Appraised: Key Difference
Although the two words sound similar, they serve completely different purposes in English grammar and communication.
| Word | Meaning | Common Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprised | Informed or notified | Communication, updates | She was apprised of the issue. |
| Appraised | Evaluated or valued | Finance, property, reviews | The car was appraised yesterday. |
Easy Memory Trick
A quick way to remember the difference:
- Apprised has “prise,” which can remind you of “surprise information” or news.
- Appraised contains “praise,” often linked with judging or evaluating value.
Another simple reminder:
- Apprised = awareness
- Appraised = assessment
Common Mistakes People Make
Because the words are so similar in spelling and pronunciation, writers often mix them up.
Incorrect:
- He was appraised of the company updates. ❌
Correct:
- He was apprised of the company updates. ✅
Why? Because updates are something you are informed about, not evaluated on.
Incorrect:
- The jeweler apprised the necklace at $2,000. ❌
Correct:
- The jeweler appraised the necklace at $2,000. ✅
Why? Because assigning monetary value requires appraised.
When to Use “Apprised”
Use apprised when talking about:
- giving information
- sharing updates
- official notifications
- awareness
- communication
Example Sentences
- The doctor apprised the family of the patient’s condition.
- We were apprised of the travel delays.
- Investors were apprised of market risks.
When to Use “Appraised”
Use appraised when talking about:
- determining value
- reviewing performance
- assessing quality
- evaluating property
- professional estimates
Example Sentences
- The property was appraised before the loan approval.
- Her skills were appraised during the interview.
- The painting was appraised by an art expert.
Pronunciation Difference
The pronunciation of both words is very close, which adds to the confusion.
- Apprised → uh-PRYZD
- Appraised → uh-PRAYZD
The vowel sound is slightly different, but in fast speech many people barely notice the distinction.
Apprised vs Appraised in Business Writing
In professional communication, using the wrong word can make writing seem careless.
Correct Business Usage
- “Please keep me apprised of the project timeline.”
- “The equipment was appraised for insurance purposes.”
Why It Matters
In workplaces, precision in language reflects professionalism. Confusing these words may lead readers to misunderstand whether you mean information sharing or evaluation.
Legal and Financial Contexts
Apprised in Legal English
Lawyers and legal documents often use apprised to mean someone has been officially informed.
Example:
- The defendant was apprised of his rights.
Appraised in Finance
Banks and lenders frequently use appraised when discussing the market value of property or assets.
Example:
- The bank appraised the property before approving the mortgage.
American vs British English Differences
There is no major spelling difference between American and British English for apprised and appraised. Both forms are used similarly in the US and UK.
However, there are slight usage preferences:
- Apprised is somewhat more formal and may appear more often in British legal or official writing.
- Appraised is highly common in American real estate and finance industries.
The meanings remain the same in both varieties of English.
Why These Words Are Often Confused
Several factors contribute to the confusion:
- Similar spelling
- Similar pronunciation
- Formal tone
- Rare everyday use
- Shared Latin roots
Because both words appear mostly in professional or academic settings, many people are unfamiliar with the exact distinction.
Examples in Real-Life Situations
Workplace Example
- The supervisor apprised employees of safety changes.
- HR appraised employee performance annually.
Real Estate Example
- Buyers were apprised of hidden repair costs.
- The home was appraised at a higher value.
Education Example
- Parents were apprised of the school policy.
- The teacher appraised student presentations.
Grammar Tip
Both apprised and appraised are commonly used in the past tense or past participle form.
Structure Examples
- apprised of
- appraised at
- appraised by
Correct Patterns
- She was apprised of the situation.
- The item was appraised at $10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is “apprised” the same as “appraised”?
No.
Apprised means informed, while appraised means evaluated or valued.
What does “keep me apprised” mean?
It means “keep me informed” or “keep me updated.”
Can I say “appraised of the situation”?
No. The correct phrase is:
- “apprised of the situation”
Is “appraised” only used for money?
No. Although often used for property or financial value, it can also describe evaluating performance, quality, or skills.
Which word is more formal?
Both are formal words, but apprised often sounds more formal in communication and legal writing.
How do I remember the difference easily?
Remember:
- Apprised = informed
- Appraised = assessed
Are both words commonly used in business English?
Yes.
Businesses use apprised for updates and appraised for evaluations.
Do British and American English use these words differently?
Not significantly. Both varieties use the words with the same meanings.
Final Summary
Understanding the difference between apprised vs appraised is important for clear and professional communication. Although the words look and sound similar, they have entirely different meanings. Apprised relates to informing or updating someone, while appraised refers to evaluating or estimating value.
A simple way to avoid mistakes is to focus on the context. If the sentence involves sharing information, use apprised. If it involves judging, reviewing, or determining worth, use appraised. With regular practice and awareness of these distinctions, you can use both words confidently in writing and conversation.
Actionable Takeaway
Before using either word, ask yourself one quick question:
- Am I talking about information? → Use apprised
- Am I talking about value or evaluation? → Use appraised
This small habit can instantly improve your grammar accuracy and professional writing clarity.
