Arrangement vs. Appointment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 23, 2023
"Arrangement" is the action of organizing or preparing something, while "Appointment" refers to a scheduled meeting or allocation of a job/role.
Key Differences
"Arrangement" implies a broad spectrum of organization, planning, or systematic placement of items or events, while "Appointment" specifically refers to a prearranged meeting at a set time or the act of assigning a job or position.
"Arrangement" encompasses a variety of contexts, including the layout of objects, a musical composition, or plans for an event, highlighting its versatile nature. In contrast, "Appointment" has a narrower scope, primarily revolving around scheduling or designation in professional or formal scenarios.
"Arrangement" often involves a process, an ongoing act of organizing or putting things in order, which can be fluid and subject to change. "Appointment," however, denotes something fixed and specific, a point in time agreed upon, or a role specifically allocated to someone.
"Arrangement" can be casual or formal, and it doesn't necessarily require mutual agreement, often being a unilateral action. "Appointment" typically involves at least two parties agreeing on a time for a meeting or the assignment of a role, emphasizing mutual consent.
"Arrangement" and "Appointment" both involve some level of preparation, but arrangement is more about creating order or structure broadly, whereas appointment is about specifically allocating time or roles with a more formal connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Context
Broad, various scenarios
Narrow, often formal/professional
Flexibility
Can be fluid and changeable
Fixed, specific
Mutual Agreement
Not always necessary
Typically required
Formality
Can be either formal or casual
Usually formal
Scope
General organization or preparation
Scheduled meeting or role allocation
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Arrangement and Appointment Definitions
Arrangement
Arrangement: the layout of something.
The floral arrangement was stunning.
Appointment
Appointment: a scheduled meeting.
I have a doctor's appointment at 3 PM.
Arrangement
Arrangement: the act of organizing.
The arrangement of books on the shelf took hours.
Appointment
Appointment: an arrangement to meet someone.
We have a lunch appointment with clients.
Arrangement
Arrangement: a musical composition.
The orchestra played a new arrangement of old classics.
Appointment
Appointment: a designated activity or engagement.
My hair appointment is overdue.
Arrangement
Arrangement: an agreement or settlement.
They made an arrangement to settle disputes amicably.
Appointment
The act of appointing or designating someone for an office or position.
Arrangement
The act or process of arranging
The arrangement of a time and place for the meeting.
Appointment
The office or position to which one has been appointed.
Arrangement
The condition, manner, or result of being arranged; disposal
Provided flowers and saw to their arrangement.
Appointment
An arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place.
Arrangement
A collection of things that have been arranged
The circular arrangement of megaliths called Stonehenge.
Appointment
Appointments Furnishings, fittings, or equipment.
Arrangement
Often arrangements A provision or plan made in preparation for an undertaking
Made arrangements for surgery.
Appointment
(Law) The act of directing the disposition of property by virtue of a power granted for this purpose.
Arrangement
An agreement or settlement; a disposition
Our dog will be looked after by arrangement with a neighbor.
Appointment
The act of appointing a person to hold an office or to have a position of trust
His appointment as treasurer was deemed suitable.
Arrangement
An adaptation of a composition for other instruments or voices or for another style of performance.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to a service or office; an office to which one is appointed
The appointment of treasurer
Arrangement
A composition so arranged.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement.
Arrangement
The act of arranging.
Appointment
An arrangement between people to meet; an engagement.
They made an appointment to meet at six.
I'm leaving work early because I have a doctor's appointment.
Arrangement
The manner of being arranged.
Appointment
(religion) Decree; direction; established order or constitution.
To submit to the divine appointments.
Arrangement
A collection of things that have been arranged.
Appointment
(law) The exercise of the power of designating (under a power of appointment) a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Arrangement
A particular way in which items are organized.
Appointment
(government) The assignment of a person by an official to perform a duty, such as a presidential appointment of a judge to a court.
Arrangement
(in the plural) Preparations for some undertaking.
Appointment
(in the plural) Equipment, furniture.
Arrangement
An agreement.
Appointment
(US) An honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college.
To have an appointment
Arrangement
(music) An adaptation of a piece of music for other instruments, or in another style.
Appointment
(obsolete) The allowance paid to a public officer.
Arrangement
The act of arranging or putting in an orderly condition; the state of being arranged or put in order; disposition in suitable form.
Appointment
The act of appointing; designation of a person to hold an office or discharge a trust; as, he erred by the appointment of unsuitable men.
Arrangement
The manner or result of arranging; system of parts disposed in due order; regular and systematic classification; as, arrangement of one's dress; the Linnæan arrangement of plants.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to som service or office; an office to which one is appointed; station; position; an, the appointment of treasurer.
Arrangement
Preparatory proceeding or measure; preparation; as, we have made arrangement for receiving company.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement. Hence:: Arrangement for a meeting; engagement; as, they made an appointment to meet at six.
Arrangement
Settlement; adjustment by agreement; as, the parties have made an arrangement between themselves concerning their disputes; a satisfactory arrangement.
Appointment
Decree; direction; established order or constitution; as, to submit to the divine appointments.
According to the appointment of the priests.
Arrangement
The adaptation of a composition to voices or instruments for which it was not originally written.
Appointment
The exercise of the power of designating (under a "power of appointment") a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Arrangement
The thing arranged or agreed to;
They made arrangements to meet in Chicago
Appointment
Equipment, furniture, as for a ship or an army; whatever is appointed for use and management; outfit; (pl.) the accouterments of military officers or soldiers, as belts, sashes, swords.
The cavaliers emulated their chief in the richness of their appointments.
I'll prove it in my shackles, with these handsVoid of appointment, that thou liest.
Arrangement
An orderly grouping (of things or persons) considered as a unit; the result of arranging;
A flower arrangement
Appointment
An allowance to a person, esp. to a public officer; a perquisite; - properly only in the plural.
An expense proportioned to his appointments and fortune is necessary.
Arrangement
An organized structure for arranging or classifying;
He changed the arrangement of the topics
The facts were familiar but it was in the organization of them that he was original
He tried to understand their system of classification
Appointment
A honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college; as, to have an appointment.
Arrangement
The spatial property of the way in which something is placed;
The arrangement of the furniture
The placement of the chairs
Appointment
The act of putting a person into a non-elective position;
The appointment had to be approved by the whole committee
Arrangement
A piece of music that has been adapted for performance by a particular set of voices or instruments
Appointment
A meeting arranged in advance;
She asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date
Arrangement
The act of arranging and adapting a piece of music
Appointment
(usually plural) furnishings and equipment (especially for a ship or hotel)
Arrangement
Arrangement: a plan or preparation.
Our travel arrangement includes flights and hotels.
Appointment
A person who is appointed to a job or position
Appointment
The job to which you are (or hope to be) appointed;
He applied for an appointment in the treasury
Appointment
(law) the act of disposing of property by virtue of the power of appointment;
She allocated part of the trust to her church by appointment
Appointment
Appointment: the act of assigning a job or position.
Her appointment as CEO was announced today.
Appointment
Appointment: a fixture, as in a house.
The house has modern appointments.
FAQs
Is an "Appointment" always professional?
No, appointments can be social, like a date.
Does "Arrangement" always involve multiple items?
Not necessarily; it can involve organizing even one aspect.
Is an "Appointment" only about meetings?
Primarily, but also about assigning roles or positions.
Can an "Arrangement" be modified?
Yes, arrangements can often be adjusted or reorganized.
Is an "Arrangement" legally binding?
Not by default, though it can be part of a contract.
Does "Arrangement" imply order?
Generally, it's about creating some form of order or plan.
Can an "Arrangement" be spontaneous?
Often it involves planning, but it can arise spontaneously.
Can you be early for an "Appointment"?
Yes, it's often advisable depending on the situation.
Can "Arrangement" refer to music?
Yes, it can mean a composition or adaptation of a musical piece.
Is "Arrangement" a formal agreement?
It can be formal or informal, depending on context.
Can an "Appointment" be casual?
Yes, but it generally implies a specific agreed-upon time.
Does an "Appointment" require confirmation?
Usually, to ensure all parties are aware and agree.
Do "Arrangements" require consent?
Typically, though one party can often arrange things unilaterally.
What happens if you miss an "Appointment"?
It depends on context — there may be rescheduling or consequences.
Is rescheduling an "Appointment" acceptable?
Generally, yes, if done with notice and mutual agreement.
Can "Arrangement" involve negotiations?
Yes, especially when it refers to reaching an agreement.
What's a "standing Appointment"?
A regularly scheduled, recurring appointment.
Can an "Appointment" be delegated?
Yes, someone else can attend in your place with prior agreement.
Who makes an "Appointment"?
It's usually mutually agreed upon by all involved parties.
Are "Arrangements" only for physical items?
No, they can also involve plans, events, or abstract concepts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
