Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈpreɪzl/

Definitions

1. An act of assessing or evaluating the value or quality of something.
2. A formal estimation or judgment of something's worth, often used in the context of property or investments.

Usage Examples

• The appraisal of the house indicated a much higher value than expected.
• She underwent a performance appraisal at work to assess her contributions.

Etymology

From Middle French "appréciation," based on the verb "appraiser," meaning "to assess or value." The term dates back to the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Evaluation
• Assessment
• Valuation
• Estimation

Antonyms

• Devaluation
• Disregard
• Overlook

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the emphasis is typically on the second syllable (/əˈpreɪzl/), while in British English, the pronunciation may vary slightly with a more neutral stress across syllables.

Historical Usage

The term "appraisal" was first used in the late 16th century to describe the process of determining the value of property. Its use has expanded over the years, applying not only to property but to individuals’ work performance, assets, and other areas of evaluation.

Cultural Nuances

In financial contexts, an appraisal is often a formal, professional assessment of the worth of a property or asset, while in the workplace, performance appraisals are conducted periodically to assess an employee’s achievements and potential. The meaning of appraisal can vary in different cultures based on how assessment and judgment are regarded.

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