Words / C1

uh-PRAYZ/əˈpreɪz/

To appraise is to judge quality, value, or nature, often officially: staff appraisal, appraise a proposal. Assess is a close academic synonym; evaluate is similar; judge is everyday. Appraisal is the noun (an annual appraisal). In speech, judge or look at properly is enough. Do not confuse it with apprise (inform: apprise someone of) — a classic mix-up in formal letters.

Meaning

To judge the quality, value, or nature of something.

Examples

• “Managers appraise staff once a year.”
• “Managers appraise teaching once a year against agreed criteria.”
• “Appraise the sources before you build the literature review on them.”

Good to know

Officially judge worth. Noun: appraisal. Close: assess / evaluate. Everyday: judge. Contrast: apprise = inform.

Near in meaning

assess

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