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What is the Meaning of “Appoint”?

Appoint
/əˈpɔɪnt/

To officially choose someone to do a job or role.

Definition of Appoint

Quick Meaning of Appoint

To officially choose someone to do a job or role.

Detailed Definition of Appoint

To choose or assign someone for a job or official position.

How to Pronounce Appoint

IPA: /əˈpɔɪnt/
a point

Stress pattern: oO (2-syllable word).

Tip: The stress is on the second syllable: ap-POINT. Rhymes with 'join' and 'coin'.

Watch out: Some learners mispronounce it as ap-PO-int (three syllables) instead of ap-POINT.

Full pronunciation guide for “appoint” →

Origin and Etymology of Appoint

From Old French apointer, meaning to arrange or settle.

How to Use Appoint in a Sentence

Each example shows “appoint” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “The company appointed her as the new manager.”
    B1 formal
  • “The school appointed three new teachers for the English department.”
    B1 academic
  • “The president appointed judges to the supreme court.”
    B2 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Appoint

Common Synonyms for Appoint

Smart Synonyms for Appoint — When to Use Each

designate
when choosing someone for an official or important
assign
when giving a task or duty to a

Antonyms of Appoint

See all synonyms for “appoint” →

Common Collocations with Appoint

These phrases pair with “appoint” in everyday English:

  • appoint a manager
  • appoint to a position
  • newly appointed
  • appoint a committee
  • appoint by law

Common Mistakes When Using Appoint

Even fluent speakers slip up with “appoint”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: They appointed him for the director.
✓ Correct: They appointed him as the director.
Why: Use 'as' not 'for' when stating the position someone is appointed to.
✗ Wrong: She was appointed in a manager role.
✓ Correct: She was appointed as a manager.
Why: Use 'as' or 'to' with appoint, not 'in'.

Words Confused With Appoint

  • Appoint vs Approve: Appoint means to choose for a job; approve means to agree with. Compare →

Other Forms of Appoint

Frequently Asked Questions About Appoint

What is the meaning of "Appoint"?

To officially choose someone to do a job or role.

How do you pronounce "Appoint"?

The IPA is /əˈpɔɪnt/. The stress is on the second syllable: ap-POINT. Rhymes with 'join' and 'coin'.

What part of speech is "Appoint"?

"Appoint" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Appoint"?

Common synonyms include assign, designate, hire.

How do you use "Appoint" in a sentence?

For example: "The company appointed her as the new manager."

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