What is the Difference Between Anointed and Appointed

The main difference between anointed and appointed is that anointed refers to the ritualistic act of pouring or rubbing aromatic oil over a person’s head or entire body while appointed refers to the act of assigning a job or role to someone.

Although the two verbs anoint and appoint are somewhat similar in sound, they have vastly different meanings. The anointing is a ritual while appointing is a general word that refers to the act of assigning someone a role or position. However, in some cases, it is possible to appoint someone to a position or role with a ceremonial anointment.

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Anointed Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Examples
2. What Does Appointed Mean
     – Definition, Meaning, Examples
3. What is the Relationship Between Anointed and Appointed
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Anointed and Appointed
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key terms

Anointed, Appointed

What Does Anointed Mean

Anointed refers to the ritualistic act of pouring or rubbing aromatic oil over a person’s head or the entire body. This is part of a religious ceremony. The anointing is a common practice found in the bible as well as in modern Christianity. In Christianity, anointing has a ceremonial meaning. Moreover, in modern usage, anointing is used for ceremonial blessings like the coronation of European monarchs. For example, the coronation of the British monarchs involves anointing the monarch with holy oil. Furthermore, anointing is also an important practice in healing the sick.

In the modern context, the verb anoint can also refer to nominating or choosing someone as a successor to or leading candidate for a position.

Let’s now look at the usage of this verb in day-to-day language.

Elizabeth was anointed the first queen of the kingdom.

The high priest was anointed with oil.

The archbishop anointed him king.

Then they anointed the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection.

Raphael Browns was anointed as the organizational candidate of the party.

What Does Appointed Mean

Appointed refers to the act of assigning a job or role to someone. In other words, it means to name someone officially. For example, imagine that you have been appointed as the president of some association – that means, you have been assigned the role of the president. The verb appoint also infers the meaning to put in an office in order to function fully and accomplish a task. The noun appointment, which means an arrangement for a meeting, also stems from the verb appoint.

Let’s now look at the usage of this verb in day-to-day language.

The board of directors will also appoint Mrs Davis as the principal.

You may be appointed to a new job within your section.

When her parents died, the authorities appointed me as her legal guardian.

A new board of directors was appointed to handle the new overseas project.

Dr Reese was appointed to the Royal London Hospital in 1954.

Relationship Between Anointed and Appointed

• In fact, it is sometimes possible to appoint someone to a position or role with a ceremonial anointment.

Difference Between Anointed and Appointed

Definition

Anointed refers to the ritualistic act of pouring or rubbing aromatic oil over a person’s head or entire body while appointed refers to the act of assigning a job or role to someone.

Nature

Anointing is a ritual related to religion, medicine or culture while appointing is a general word that refers to the act of assigning someone a role or position.

Conclusion

The main difference between anointed and appointed is that anointed refers to the ritualistic act of pouring or rubbing aromatic oil over a person’s head or entire body while appointed refers to the act of assigning a job or role to someone.

Reference:

1. “Anointing.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Jan. 2021, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Anointing Of The Sick Clip Art Drawing” (CC0) via Pixy.org
2. “1436889” (CC0) via Pxhere

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