Consultation vs. Appointment — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
Consultation is a meeting for advice or discussion, while an appointment is a prearranged meeting or designation to a position.
Difference Between Consultation and Appointment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Consultation refers to a professional or expert meeting, typically sought for advice, insights, or specialized knowledge on a specific topic. Appointment, on the other hand, generally signifies a prearranged engagement or meeting, not necessarily linked to expertise.
A consultation often implies a two-way conversation where one party seeks guidance and the other provides it. An appointment, however, can simply be a set time for any activity, discussion, or event, regardless of the nature of the interaction.
In the medical field, a consultation may occur when a general practitioner refers a patient to a specialist for a deeper evaluation. An appointment, in this context, is the scheduled time when this meeting takes place, regardless of the intent or content of the interaction.
Businesses often schedule consultations to garner expert insights on projects, decisions, or strategies. Conversely, an appointment in a corporate setting might merely represent a scheduled time to meet, whether it's for a job interview, a performance review, or even a casual catch-up.
Lawyers typically offer legal consultations to discuss a potential client's needs and concerns. The term appointment here could refer to the scheduled time for this consult or even the act of hiring the lawyer for a particular role or task.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
To seek advice or discussion.
A prearranged meeting or designation to a role.
Nature of Interaction
Typically two-way, with an expert offering insights.
Can be any type of interaction or none at all.
Duration
Can be lengthy depending on the topic.
Typically has a set start and end time.
Common Contexts
Medical referrals, business strategies, legal advice.
Doctor visits, job interviews, service visits.
Outcome
Expert advice, solutions, or plans.
Completed task, service, or discussion.
Compare with Definitions
Consultation
A discussion to understand a problem and devise solutions.
They had a consultation about the software glitch.
Appointment
A prearranged meeting at a set time.
She had an appointment with her dentist at 3 PM.
Consultation
An appointment with an expert to gain insights.
His consultation with the attorney clarified many doubts.
Appointment
A scheduled time to receive a service.
I have a hairdresser's appointment on Friday.
Consultation
A deliberative process for decision-making.
The city held a public consultation about the new park.
Appointment
The act of designating someone to a position.
His appointment as CEO was well-received.
Consultation
A professional meeting to seek advice.
She scheduled a consultation with a nutritionist.
Appointment
An arrangement to meet someone socially or professionally.
We made an appointment to discuss the project further.
Consultation
The act of conferring about a specific issue.
The team's consultation led to innovative ideas.
Appointment
The act of appointing or designating someone for an office or position.
Consultation
The act or process of consulting.
Appointment
The office or position to which one has been appointed.
Consultation
A conference at which advice is given or views are exchanged.
Appointment
An arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place.
Consultation
A meeting between physicians to discuss the diagnosis or treatment of a case.
Appointment
Appointments Furnishings, fittings, or equipment.
Consultation
The act of consulting.
Appointment
(Law) The act of directing the disposition of property by virtue of a power granted for this purpose.
Consultation
A conference for the exchange of information and advice.
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.
Consultation
An appointment or meeting with a professional person, such as a doctor.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to a service or office; an office to which one is appointed
The appointment of treasurer
Consultation
The act of consulting or conferring; deliberation of two or more persons on some matter, with a view to a decision.
Thus they doubtful consultations darkEnded.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement.
Consultation
A council or conference, as of physicians, held to consider a special case, or of lawyers restained in a cause.
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.
Consultation
A conference (usually with someone important);
He had a consultation with the judge
He requested an audience with the king
Appointment
(religion) Decree; direction; established order or constitution.
To submit to the divine appointments.
Consultation
A conference between two or more people to consider a particular question;
Frequent consultations with his lawyer
A consultation of several medical specialists
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.
Consultation
The act of referring or consulting;
Reference to an encyclopedia produced the answer
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.
Appointment
(in the plural) Equipment, furniture.
Appointment
(US) An honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college.
To have an appointment
Appointment
(obsolete) The allowance paid to a public officer.
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.
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.
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.
Appointment
Decree; direction; established order or constitution; as, to submit to the divine appointments.
According to the appointment of the priests.
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.
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.
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.
Appointment
A honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college; as, to have an appointment.
Appointment
The act of putting a person into a non-elective position;
The appointment had to be approved by the whole committee
Appointment
A meeting arranged in advance;
She asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date
Appointment
(usually plural) furnishings and equipment (especially for a ship or hotel)
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
A commitment marked on one's schedule.
He can't join; he has a prior appointment.
Common Curiosities
Are all consultations appointments?
While consultations have specific times, not all are formally "appointed" or scheduled.
Can one have multiple appointments but just one consultation?
Yes, you can have several scheduled meetings (appointments) but only one aimed at seeking advice (consultation).
Can an appointment be a consultation?
Yes, if the purpose of the scheduled meeting is to seek advice or discuss specifics.
Can I say I have a doctor's consultation instead of an appointment?
Yes, if the purpose is to specifically discuss or seek advice on a health issue.
Can an appointment be casual?
Yes, an appointment can be any prearranged meeting, casual or formal.
Can I charge for a consultation but not an appointment?
Yes, professionals often charge for their expertise during consultations. Appointments, as mere scheduled times, don't inherently carry fees.
Is a job interview an appointment or consultation?
It's an appointment. The candidate isn't typically seeking advice, but rather discussing potential employment.
Why might businesses offer free consultations?
To attract potential clients by providing a glimpse of their expertise or services.
What's the "appointment of a trustee"?
It refers to designating someone to the role or position of a trustee.
What's the main distinction between consultation and appointment?
A consultation is primarily for advice or discussion, while an appointment is a scheduled meeting or role designation.
Are consultations always professional?
Mostly, but they can be informal if seeking advice from friends or family.
Does consultation always mean seeking advice from an expert?
Mostly, but it can also refer to any deliberative process or discussion aimed at decision-making.
Can an appointment be cancelled?
Yes, appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled, though there may be protocols or penalties depending on the context.
Is a teacher-parent meeting an appointment or consultation?
It's both—an appointed time (appointment) for discussing a student's progress (consultation).
How should I prepare differently for a consultation versus an appointment?
For a consultation, be ready to ask questions and seek advice. For an appointment, understand its purpose and prepare accordingly.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
