To assess or evaluate the worth, significance, or quality of something through careful examination. It involves making informed judgments about value or merit based on specific criteria.
From Old French 'aprisier,' later influenced by 'praise,' meaning 'to set a price on' or 'value.' The word evolved from commercial valuation to general evaluation of worth or quality in any context.
Originally used by merchants to set prices on goods, 'appraise' still carries that sense of determining value - but now we appraise everything from art to arguments! The key insight is that good appraisal requires both expertise and specific criteria, just like a professional appraiser needs training and standards.
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