Definition

Relating to a court that has the authority to review and change the decisions made by lower courts.

Example

The appellate court overturned the previous ruling due to a legal error.

Conversation

Did you hear about the appellate court ruling on that case?

Yeah, it was all over the news!

I wonder how the appellate judges came to their decision.

They must have reviewed a lot of evidence to make a fair choice.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Appellate is formed from "appellare" (meaning to call upon or appeal) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a state or condition). The word refers to a court that has the authority to hear appeals from lower courts, thus calling upon a higher authority for a decision.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calling upon' ('appellare') a higher court to review a decision — that's what appellate means.

Visually Confused Words