adjective

appellate

uh-PEH-luht

adjective

Relating to appeals, or to a court that has the power to review and overturn decisions made by a lower court.

"She took her case to the appellate court after losing at trial."

"The appellate judges overturned the original ruling."

How to Use Appellate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes a higher court whose job is to review decisions from lower courts, not to hear a case from scratch.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "appellant," the person who is actually filing the appeal — appellate describes the court itself.

Common pairings

appellate court appellate jurisdiction appellate review

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Can you complete this real example?

She took her case to the _____ court after losing at trial.

From Latin appellatus, "called upon" or "addressed" — the same root that gives us "appeal."

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