apprise

UK: əˈpraɪz | US: əˈpraɪz

Definition

  1. vt. to inform or notify someone of something

  2. vt. to give formal notice or advice

Structure
ap <to, toward>prise <to take, seize>ap <to, toward>prise <to take, seize>
Etymology

The word "apprise" entered English in the 17th century from French apprendre ("to inform, teach"), which itself derives from Latin apprehendere ("to seize, understand"). The modern sense of "to notify" reflects the idea of "taking hold of someone's attention" by conveying information. The morpheme ap- (originally ad-) emphasizes directionality, while prise retains its core meaning of "taking" but shifted metaphorically to intellectual grasping.

Examples

  1. The manager will apprise the team of the new policy changes.

  2. She was apprised of the situation before making a decision.

  3. The lawyer apprised his client of the legal risks.

  4. Please apprise me of any developments in the case.

  5. The ambassador was fully apprised of the diplomatic tensions.