adjective
Common
appointed
uh-POYN-tihd
Appointed (adjective) means Chosen officially for a role, rather than elected. Example: “The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is appointed.”
adjective
1
Chosen officially for a role, rather than elected.
"The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is appointed."
"The committee's chair is an appointed official rather than someone chosen by a public vote."
"Several appointed members sit on the board alongside the elected ones."
2
Fixed or agreed in advance.
"They met at the appointed time and place."
"The guests arrived at the appointed hour, and dinner began on time."
"On the appointed day, we all gathered outside the town hall."
How to use appointed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficially chosen for a position, or set in advance (as with a time).
Common pairings
newly appointed
the appointed hour
appointed official
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The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is _____.
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Rhymes for appointed
See all rhymes for appointed →Frequently asked questions
What does “appointed” mean?
The word “appointed” means chosen officially for a role, rather than elected. In plain terms, officially chosen for a position, or set in advance (as with a time).
How do you pronounce “appointed”?
“Appointed” is pronounced uh-POYN-tihd (/əˈpɔɪntɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “appointed” in a sentence?
Here is “appointed” used in a sentence: “The mayor is elected, but the deputy mayor is appointed.”
What part of speech is “appointed”?
“Appointed” is an adjective.
Is “appointed” a common word?
“Appointed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “appointed” have?
“Appointed” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: chosen officially for a role, rather than elected.
What is the difference between appointed and elected?
Someone appointed is chosen for a role by a person or body with the authority to do so — a leader, board or committee. Someone elected is chosen by a vote, usually of the public or of members. Appointment reflects the judgement of those in charge; election reflects the choice of the voters.
What is an example of an appointed position?
Judges in many countries are appointed rather than elected, as are government ministers, ambassadors, and members of company boards and public committees. In each case a person or body with the power to decide selects the individual for the role, instead of the post being filled by a popular vote.
Is an appointed role less legitimate than an elected one?
Not necessarily — they simply draw their authority from different sources. Appointment allows expertise and experience to be prioritised and can shield a role from short-term politics, which is why judges are often appointed. Elected roles carry a direct public mandate. Each suits different kinds of responsibility.
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