appointment
- 01 B1 Intermediate
an arrangement to meet someone at a specific time and place.
a formal arrangement to meet at a designated time and place, typically for professional, medical, or official purposes.
Simple“I have a dentist appointment at three o'clock this afternoon.”
In context“The consultant had to reschedule several morning appointments after her flight was delayed by heavy fog.”
UsageCommonly used with the verbs 'make', 'keep', 'break', or 'reschedule'.
PitfallI made an appointment with the dentist. I have an appointment with the dentist.While you 'make' an appointment (the action), you usually 'have' an appointment (the state).
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of choosing someone for an official position or job.
the act of designating a person for a non-elective office or position of responsibility.
Simple“The president announced the appointment of a new judge today.”
In context“The board's appointment of a new chief executive was met with approval from the majority of shareholders.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'of' (the person) or 'to' (the position).
Teacher's tipThis sense is much more formal than the 'meeting' sense and is common in news and business contexts.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a job or position that someone has been chosen for.
the position or office to which a person has been appointed.
Simple“She held a senior academic appointment at the university for ten years.”
In context“His latest diplomatic appointment requires him to relocate to the embassy in Brussels for a three-year term.”
UsageUsually refers to high-level or prestigious roles in government, academia, or medicine.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the furniture or decorations in a room or building.
the equipment, furnishings, or decorative fittings of a place, especially when high-quality.
Simple“The hotel was famous for its luxurious appointments and antique furniture.”
In context“The yacht featured mahogany appointments and custom-made leather seating throughout the main cabin.”
UsageAlmost always used in the plural form 'appointments'.
Teacher's tipThis is a rare, high-level sense often found in real estate descriptions or classic literature.
Synonyms
Usage appointment hugely
From Middle English appoyntement, apoyntement, from Old French appointement, equivalent to appoint + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.