Appoint

Definition

Appoint means to assign someone to a position or role, or to determine or set a specific time, place, or task. It is commonly used in formal contexts, especially in relation to official or organizational roles.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɔɪnt/
• Respelling: uh-POINT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /əˈpɔɪnt/
• Respelling: uh-POINT

The pronunciation of "appoint" is consistent in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "appoint" comes from the Old French "apointier," which means "to arrange" or "to fix." It is derived from the Latin "ad-" meaning "to" and "punctum," meaning "point" or "pointed object." The term entered Middle English with the meaning of designating someone to a position or arranging something formally.

Derivatives

• Appointment (noun)
• Appointed (adjective)
• Appointee (noun)
• Appointer (noun)
• Reappoint (verb)

Synonyms

• Designate
• Nominate
• Assign

Antonyms

• Dismiss
• Remove
• Discharge

Usage

The term "appoint" is frequently used in formal, professional, and governmental settings to describe the act of selecting someone for a position or responsibility. For example, leaders often appoint individuals to specific roles within an organization, such as a committee or board. It can also refer to the determination of specific times or places for meetings or events. An "appointment" refers to the assigned role or the time and place set for a meeting or event.

Related Terms

• Nominate: To formally suggest someone for a position or award.
• Designate: To officially choose someone for a role or purpose.
• Delegate: To assign tasks or authority to another individual.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To assign or name someone to a position or role: Used to describe the formal act of giving someone a specific title or responsibility.
  • Example: "The board decided to appoint a new director for the committee."
• To fix or set a time or place: Describes the act of arranging or determining a specific time, date, or location for an event or meeting.
  • Example: "They will appoint a time for the meeting next week."