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Appointment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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appointment

[ษ™หˆpษ”ษชntmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

schedule

An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place.

Synonyms

date, engagement, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
appointment

Used when you have arranged to meet someone at a specific time, usually in professional or official situations, such as seeing a doctor, a job interview, or a business meeting.

  • I have a doctor's appointment at 3 PM.
  • She scheduled an appointment with the lawyer.
meeting

Used when discussing professional, business, or organized gatherings of people to discuss a specific topic or agenda. Can be formal or informal but usually implies a group setting.

  • We have a team meeting every Monday morning.
  • The committee scheduled a meeting to discuss the new policy.
engagement

This term usually implies a commitment to do something or go somewhere, often used in formal settings. It can refer to social events just as well, but with a sense of obligation.

  • I regret I have a prior engagement and cannot attend the dinner.
  • He has several speaking engagements next week.
date

Often used when referring to a social or romantic meeting. It implies a more personal and casual interaction, typically between two individuals who are getting to know each other.

  • They went on their first date last night.
  • I have a date with Lisa this evening.

Examples of usage

  • I have an appointment with the doctor at 2 p.m.
  • She made an appointment with the hairdresser for next Friday.
Context #2 | Noun

job

The act of appointing or the state of being appointed.

Synonyms

assignment, designation, nomination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
appointment

Also used for the act of officially assigning someone to a position or job.

  • His appointment as manager was well-received by the staff.
  • The appointment of new board members will be announced tomorrow.
designation

Used when naming someone to a position or giving someone a specific title, often in formal contexts.

  • Her designation as team leader was unexpected.
  • The designation of the area as a national park helped protect its natural beauty.
assignment

Typically used in academic or work contexts, referring to a task or piece of work given to someone.

  • The teacher gave us a math assignment due next Monday.
  • I have been working on a difficult assignment from my boss.
nomination

Refers to suggesting someone's name for a position, role, or award, usually in a formal setting.

  • Her nomination for the Best Actress award was a huge accomplishment.
  • The committee will review all nominations before making a decision.

Examples of usage

  • Her appointment as CEO was announced yesterday.
  • The appointment of a new manager caused a lot of excitement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, keeping appointments is seen as a matter of respect and professionalism.
  • In Japanese culture, the concept of punctuality is deeply ingrained, reflecting the value placed on time management.
  • Different cultures may have varying expectations about promptness; for instance, in some Latin American countries, being 'late' is often more acceptable.

Psychology

  • Making an appointment can create a sense of accountability which often leads to improved adherence to goals, such as health or education.
  • The act of scheduling can reduce anxiety by providing structure and a clear plan.
  • People often feel more committed to attending appointments compared to informal plans because of the perceived obligation.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of appointments has been humorously depicted in films, where characters often rush to meet a scheduled time, leading to comedic scenarios.
  • In the TV show 'Friends,' characters frequently make appointments for meet-ups that lead to memorable moments.
  • Social media now allows people to 'appoint' times for virtual hangouts or meetings, showcasing the evolution of how we connect.

Literature

  • Appointments are often used as plot devices in novels, creating tension for characters who must meet deadlines.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often reference appointments as a means to arrange important encounters, illustrating the necessity of planning in social interactions.
  • Modern literature continues to explore themes of time and scheduling, highlighting how appointments influence character relationships.

Origin of 'appointment'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Old French word 'apointement,' which means arrangement or agreement.
  • It evolved from the Latin word 'appunctare,' meaning to come to a point or to settle.
  • The use of the word in the context of meetings began in English around the late 14th century.

The word 'appointment' originated from the Latin word 'appointare', which means to fix by agreement. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. The concept of setting a specific time and place to meet someone has been essential in human interactions throughout history, leading to the development and use of the term 'appointment' in various contexts.

See also: appoint, appointable, appointed, appointee, disappoint, disappointed.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,985, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.