# appointed

/əˈpɔɪntɪd/ (US) · /ɐpˈɔɪntɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appointed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. chosen for a job

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

chosen for a job or position by a person in power, rather than being elected by the public.

For teachers: referring to a position or office filled by selection or designation rather than through a popular election.

- The city has an appointed board of education instead of an elected one.
- The governor filled the vacancy with an appointed official who will serve until the next general election cycle begins.

Usage: Usually appears before the noun it describes.

### 2. decided in advance

adjective · CEFR B2

decided or agreed upon in advance, like a specific time or place.

For teachers: fixed or established by previous agreement or official decree.

- Everyone arrived at the appointed time for the start of the ceremony.
- The witnesses gathered at the appointed place, ensuring they were present before the legal proceedings commenced.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrases 'appointed time' or 'appointed place'.

## Examples

- The board appointed her as the new director.
- After the previous manager resigned, the committee appointed a temporary replacement to handle daily operations.
- The prime minister appointed a special envoy to lead the delicate negotiations, ensuring that the chosen representative had extensive experience in international law.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.