Apprise
/əˈpraɪz/
verbB2
Definition
To apprise someone means to inform or tell them about something important. It is often used when you want to make sure a person understands a situation or receives news that affects them. This word is more formal than simply saying "tell."
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See It in Action
To inform or give information to someone
- •Please apprise me of any changes to the schedule.
- •The doctor apprised the patient of the test results.
- •We need to apprise the team about the new company rules.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "apprise" like "tell," but in a more formal or official way—like giving important news or updates.
- ✓Picture a teacher giving a student an important message about a test or a manager updating a team about a project.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone makes sure you know something important so you can be ready or make decisions.
- ✓Sounds like "a-PRIZE" → Imagine someone giving you a prize and telling you all about it carefully.
- ✓Think of a news reporter who apprises the public about new events—they share important facts clearly.
- ✓NOT like "guess" (not a guess or opinion), "apprise" is to give clear, true information.
- ✓NOT like "ask" (you give information, not ask for it).
- ✓NOT like "warn" (which is to tell about danger), "apprise" can be about any important information, not only danger.
Try Other Words
- •Inform: to give someone facts or details (Use when you want a more common, less formal word)
- •Notify: to officially tell someone, often about something important or urgent (Use when the information is formal or urgent)
- •Update: to give the latest information (Use when the information is new or changed)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "a-" (to, toward) + root "prise" (from French "apprendre" meaning to learn or teach)
- •Etymology: From French "appriser," meaning to make known or inform
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1500s with the meaning to inform or advise
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or business contexts to mean informing someone about important news or facts
Reflect & Connect
•When is it better to use "apprise" instead of "tell" in everyday life or work?
•How does being apprised of information early help people make better decisions?
Fill in the blanks
1.The manager will apprise the staff ___ the new safety rules before the project starts.
2.It is important to apprise your teacher ___ any problems you have with the homework.
3.Unlike just telling a story, to apprise someone means to give ___ information.
4.The company sent an email to apprise customers ___ the delay in delivery.
5.When you apprise someone, you usually want them to ___ the situation clearly.
6.The lawyer apprised her client ___ the legal risks involved in the case.
7.Before the event, the coordinator apprised all participants ___ the schedule changes.