apprise

To apprise someone means to inform them of something—often something important. It's more formal than simply "telling" someone; it suggests giving them the necessary details so they are fully aware of a situation. Think of a lawyer apprising a client of the risks involved in a case, or a doctor apprising a patient of test results. You wouldn't normally apprise your friend *of what you had for lunch, but you would apprise* them of a change in plans that affects both of you. It's like giving someone the full picture, so they can act accordingly.

Old Man Tiberius was a meticulous shipbuilder. He didn't just tell his apprentices what needed doing; he would carefully apprise them of every detail – the precise angle of each beam, the type of wood best suited for the hull, even the subtle shifts in the wind that might affect their work. To apprise someone is to inform them fully and accurately, often about something significant or complex.

The word traces back through French to a root meaning "learned" or "made known," hinting at bringing someone into knowledge of a matter. It's more formal than simply "tell," "inform," or "notify." You might apprise a colleague of an upcoming deadline, apprise your boss of progress on a project, or apprise the authorities of a dangerous situation.

It often implies a degree of responsibility – you apprise someone because they need to know in order to make informed decisions or take appropriate action. While you might casually tell a friend about your day, you would likely apprise them of something that directly impacts their life or requires their input. It's not just sharing information; it's ensuring understanding and preparedness. So, when precision and clarity are key, apprise is the word to use – bringing someone fully into the know.

(And one small trap for learners: apprise is not appraise. You apprise someone *of the facts; you appraise* something to estimate its value.)