Understanding the Word "Apprize"
Language is a living, breathing entity, and some words carry a unique weight due to their historical roots and specific nuances. One such term is apprize. While you might occasionally see it used interchangeably with other verbs, it carries distinct meanings depending on the context. Whether you are navigating professional correspondence or analyzing economic shifts, understanding how to use apprize correctly will add a layer of sophistication to your vocabulary.
The Two Faces of Apprize
The term apprize is intriguing because it functions in two distinct ways: one relating to communication and the other relating to value. Here is how you can categorize its meanings:
1. To Inform or Make Aware
In this context, apprize is almost always used to signal that someone is being given important information. It implies a sense of formality or the transfer of significant news. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object—usually the person being informed.
- Please apprize the committee of the new developments before the meeting starts.
- The manager was quick to apprize the staff of the company's change in policy.
- We must keep the board apprized of the project's progress at all times.
2. To Increase in Value
In an economic or financial sense, apprize refers to the act of gaining or increasing in value. While this usage is significantly less common in modern spoken English than the first definition, you may encounter it in older texts or specific financial discussions regarding assets.
- As the demand for rare art grows, the collection continues to apprize in the current market.
- Investors hope that the property will apprize significantly over the next decade.
Grammar Patterns and Usage
When using apprize, it is important to pay attention to the grammatical structure, particularly when you are using it to mean "inform." The most common pattern is: to apprize [someone] of [something].
Notice that the word of is a critical partner to the verb here. You do not simply "apprize someone the news"; you "apprize someone of the news."
Additionally, the word is frequently used in the passive voice or as an adjective (past participle):
- I am already apprized of the situation.
- She kept the team apprized of the shifting deadlines.
Common Mistakes
The most common error learners make is confusing apprize with appraise. Because they sound very similar, they are often swapped accidentally. Remember this simple rule:
- Appraise (with an "a") means to assess the quality or value of something (e.g., "The jeweler will appraise the diamond ring").
- Apprize (with an "i") means to notify or inform (or, in its secondary sense, to increase in value).
Using these correctly will instantly improve your writing precision and help you avoid sounding like a native speaker who has simply made a typographical error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "apprize" the same as "apprise"?
Yes, in modern English, "apprise" is the more standard spelling for the act of informing someone. "Apprize" is considered an acceptable variant, but you will see "apprise" much more frequently in contemporary books and news articles.
Can I use "apprize" in casual conversation?
It is generally better to use "inform" or "let someone know" in casual settings. Apprize is a formal term, and using it in a text message or at a casual dinner might sound a bit stiff or academic.
Is "apprize" a commonly used word today?
It is considered somewhat literary or formal. Most people will understand you if you use it, but it is not a high-frequency word in daily English. You are most likely to encounter it in legal, academic, or corporate environments.
Conclusion
Mastering the word apprize requires a delicate balance of understanding its formal nature and distinguishing it from its near-homophone, appraise. Whether you are using it to ensure your colleagues are apprized of a project's status or discussing the potential for an asset to apprize over time, this verb is a useful addition to your lexicon. By practicing the "apprize of" construction, you can communicate with greater precision and professionalism in your future writing.