appraise

/əˈpreɪz/ · uh-PRAYZverb

Assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

Use appraise to express this relationship precisely: assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

What appraise Really Means

The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.

1

Core action

Assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

Example

An independent specialist appraised the collection before the sale.

2

Common construction

Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.

Example

The review carefully appraises the quality of the available evidence.

3

Reasoning effect

It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.

Example

Engineers were asked to appraise the building's condition after the earthquake.

Use appraise Naturally

Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.

An independent specialist appraised the collection before the sale.

The review carefully appraises the quality of the available evidence.

Engineers were asked to appraise the building's condition after the earthquake.

Precision Matters

Appraise overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.

appraise

Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

vs.
in terms of

Means with regard to a specified aspect, measure, or category.

appraise

Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

vs.
relative to

Means when measured, considered, or positioned in comparison with a reference point.

appraise

Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

vs.
validate

Means support the truth, accuracy, or value of something.

appraise

Means assess the value, quality, condition, or significance of something.

vs.
infer

Means to reach a conclusion from evidence and reasoning rather than direct statement.

Test appraise in Context

The experts must assess the site's value and quality.

1

Before deciding whether to preserve the site, the council hired experts to ___ its historical significance and structural condition.

Prepared byFirst Academy
Editorial responsibilityFirst Academy Academic Team
Updated3 August 2026
Selection and reviewRead our methodology