appoint
verb (transitive)
UK/əˈpɔɪnt/US/əˈpɔɪnt/
To fix or place someone or something in a particular position.
Example Sentences
He appointed the statue in the center of the garden.
They appointed the books on the shelf in alphabetical order.
She appointed the artwork on the wall to enhance the room’s aesthetic.
The architect appointed the furniture to maximize the space in the living area.
They appointed the equipment in the workshop for optimal workflow.
He appointed the decorations around the venue to create a festive atmosphere.
The manager appointed the chairs around the conference table for the meeting.
She appointed the plants along the walkway to add greenery to the pathway.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To designate someone for a job or task, typically through an official act.“Appoint” usually means to formally choose or assign someone to an official role or duty. For example, a government body might appoint a new ambassador, or a company CEO might appoint a team lead. This often follows specific procedures—like elections, board decisions, or executive directives—indicating the authority to fill that position. It can also apply in everyday scenarios, like “We appointed her to organize the charity event,” but it still implies a recognized authority granting responsibility.When you use “appoint” in conversation or writing, be clear about the position and the power behind it. For instance, “The president appointed three new judges,” clarifies both the authority (the president) and the roles (the judges). Similarly, a more casual usage—“I hereby appoint you chief snack officer”—adds humor but still signals an authorized assignment, even if it’s unofficial. In either case, “appoint” highlights a structured or deliberate act of placing someone in charge or giving them a responsibility.
Alternatives
Depending on formality or nuance, other verbs might suffice. “Assign” focuses on giving tasks or roles without necessarily implying an official title—“I assigned him to manage social media.” “Designate” carries a similar meaning to “appoint,” often in contexts of naming or pointing out a person for a particular task—“She’s been designated as the project liaison.” “Nominate” suggests proposing someone for a position or award but doesn’t guarantee they’ll secure it. “Install” or “inaugurate” can appear in contexts with ceremonial gravity, like political or religious offices. Each choice shifts the tone, from general tasking (“assign”) to a more formal or symbolic process (“appoint,” “inaugurate”).
Writing
In formal or professional documents, “appoint” underscores a formal decision made by a recognized authority. For example, a corporate memo might state, “The board has appointed a new CFO,” or official records may note, “He was appointed committee chair by unanimous vote.” If you’re drafting a contract or bylaws, specify the scope of the appointment—duties, term length, or powers granted.In academic or historical writing, you might describe how rulers or governments appointed officials, highlighting how appointments shaped social or political structures. For clarity, include who holds the power to appoint and what the newly appointed individual’s responsibilities involve. By detailing these factors, you convey the significance of the appointment and any protocols involved. In a literary or creative context, “appoint” can hint at a formal or authoritative tone, whether describing how a king picks a knight or how an institution bestows official duties. The formality stands out among casual language, reinforcing the seriousness or official nature of the act.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, people typically say “appoint” when referencing official roles or jokingly imitating them. Maybe you announce, “I appoint you in charge of dinner,” to a friend, playing up the mock formality. Otherwise, “appoint” often arises in semi-formal discussions about organizational or administrative decisions—such as volunteer committees or who’s in charge of planning an event. If used humorously, “appoint” might be accompanied by playful ceremony—“I now appoint you the official chip taster,” turning an ordinary request into a tongue-in-cheek formality. Despite the lighter tone, it still suggests a choice made by a person with some sort of authority (even if it’s imaginary). Most casual contexts, however, lean toward simpler words like “choose,” “pick,” or “put in charge,” reserving “appoint” for more structured scenarios or comedic exaggeration.
Etymology
“Appoint” traces back to the Old French “apointer,” meaning “to arrange, settle, or place,” and ultimately from the Latin phrase “ad punctum,” signifying “to bring to a point.” Historically, as feudal lords, monarchs, and later institutional leaders controlled official roles, “appoint” evolved to denote legally or formally conferring a position or responsibility. Over centuries, it broadened to include assigning tasks or roles in everyday life as well, while still retaining that connotation of recognized authority. In modern usage—business, government, or personal—“appoint” remains a formal, authoritative way of installing individuals in specific capacities.
