appreciate

verb ap·pre·ci·ate \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt , -ˈpri- also -ˈprē-sē- \

Definition of appreciate

appreciated; appreciating

transitive verb

1 a :to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of

appreciate the difference between right and wrong

b :to value or admire highly

She appreciates our work.

c :to judge with heightened perception or understanding :be fully aware of

must see it to appreciate it

d :to recognize with gratitude

I appreciate your kindness.

2 :to increase the value of

intransitive verb

:to increase in number or value

Your investment should appreciate over time.

—

appreciator

play \-ˌā-tər\ noun

—

appreciatory

play \-ˈprē-shə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˈpri-shə-\ adjective

See appreciate defined for English-language learners

See appreciate defined for kids

Examples of appreciate in a Sentence

Given that scarcity and the anticipated growth of high-end wine consumption in the United States, they believe the value of quality vineyards will appreciate significantly. —Daniel Sogg, Wine Spectator, 15 June 2008
The true carnivores in your life will appreciate this gloriously formidable slab of USDA prime meat. Is it worth the equally hefty price? Absolutely. Lobel's dry ages it for six weeks and always ships it fresh-no frozen mystery bricks here-and regardless of how you like your steak done, this porterhouse cooks up beautifully, retains its juices, and delivers rich, buttery flavor. —Kate Fox, Saveur, December 2006
As a married, working woman in her mid-30s who's planning on eventually having children, I truly appreciated reading "Mommy Madness." Over the years, I have observed peers with their children, and have inquired about what parenthood is really like. —Amy Booth, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2005
I think often of the quiet rigor of my former life. I did not even fully appreciate how much it costs to rent an apartment on the open market. —Martha Southgate, The Fall of Rome, 2002
The company strives to make its employees feel appreciated.
Living in the city has taught me to appreciate the differences between people.
Those who appreciate fine wine will enjoy reading the restaurant's wine list.
I really appreciated the information you gave me.
Your help the other day was greatly appreciated.
The tiny creature contributes to its ecosystem in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate.
I don't think you appreciate the complexity of the situation.
I appreciate what the artist is trying to do, but I think the painting fails to do it.

Recent Examples of appreciate from the Web

The challenge is to stay present enough to see them, and appreciate them.

— shannon kaiser, Health.com, "8 Empowering Life Lessons I Wish Every Woman Knew," 29 Aug. 2017
His praise of my film Monster, and our portrayal of a strong yet damaged woman was so appreciated.

— mehera bonner, Marie Claire, "Patty Jenkins Just Flawlessly Shut Down James Cameron's 'Wonder Woman' Diss," 25 Aug. 2017
Coach Doeren continues to responsibly manage difficult circumstances in an appropriate and forthcoming manner, which is greatly appreciated.

— chris hays, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Former Winter Park player Kevince Brown dismissed from NC State football team," 22 Aug. 2017
The game's art design is so much easier to visually appreciate in motion, as a result, with your eyes glued to the combat while taking in the intricate sprite art all around.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "Nidhogg 2 review: Violent, disgusting, and hilariously fun," 19 Aug. 2017
She's been responsible for the renaissance of American Dad, the desperately under-appreciated Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, and Fresh Off the Boat, one of the few truly great traditional-format sitcoms on television.

— tom philip, GQ, "There's Going to Be a TV Show About TV Show Revivals, Because of Course There Is," 18 Aug. 2017
While many of these fishermen seem to realize that sharks are suffering from overfishing and appreciate the importance of good stewardship of the ocean, many don’t believe that their own fishing is having an effect on the conservation of species.

— paul nicklen, National Geographic, "Shark-Fishing Forum Reveals Destructive Practices Despite Good Intentions," 15 Aug. 2017
Woods also appreciated the relatability of Huicochea's treatment.

— ashley ray-harris, Chicago Reader, "Music / On Video Jamila Woods includes Chicago schoolkids, joyful blackness, and a backyard barbecue in her video for ‘LSD’," 15 Aug. 2017
There was no way, either, for the studio to appreciate how close Brolin is to firefighter culture.

— maximillian potter, Esquire, "The Llewelyn Moss Moment Josh Brolin Wants to Live By," 9 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appreciate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Meanings of appreciate

Some find it troubling that English is in a constant state of flux, while others take comfort in the in evolving nature of our language. To those in the latter camp, appreciate affords a welcome illustration of how shifts in meaning that were once considered vexatious may become commonly accepted. The grammarian Albert Ayres, writing in the 19th century, said of appreciate that “if any word in the language has cause to complain of ill-treatment, this one has.” Ayres believed the word could only mean what it originally meant, “to set a value on something,” and that its use in a sentence like “I appreciate him highly” was improper. Other self-appointed guardians of the language piled on additional complaints: Edmund Shaftesbury, in his 1897 The Book of Books, held that “Appreciate should not be used for increases in value.” Obviously, we have long since forgotten these quibbles – both senses of appreciate are used regularly, and nobody gives the matter a second thought.

Origin and Etymology of appreciate

Late Latin appretiatus, past participle of appretiare, from Latin ad- + pretium price — more at price

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1653

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appreciate Synonyms

Synonyms

accelerate, accumulate, increase, balloon, boom, build up, burgeon (also bourgeon), climb, enlarge, escalate, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax

Antonyms

contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Related Words

jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge; heighten, intensify, redouble; blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up); crescendo, crest, peak

Near Antonyms

undervalue; abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe; disdain, high-hat, scorn, scout, slight, sniff (at), snub; bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, disparage, kiss off, minimize, put down, write off; abandon, forget, neglect

Synonym Discussion of appreciate

appreciate, value, prize, treasure, cherish mean to hold in high estimation. appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence.

- appreciates fine wine

value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth.

- values our friendship

prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses.

- Americans prize their freedom

treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious.

- a treasured memento

cherish implies a special love and care for something.

- cherishes her children above all

synonyms see in addition understand

APPRECIATE Defined for English Language Learners

appreciate

verb

Definition of appreciate for English Language Learners

: to understand the worth or importance of (something or someone) : to admire and value (something or someone)
: to be grateful for (something)
—used to make a polite request

APPRECIATE Defined for Kids

appreciate

verb ap·pre·ci·ate \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt \

Definition of appreciate for Students

appreciated; appreciating

1 :to be grateful for

We appreciate your help.

2 :to admire greatly and with understanding

He appreciates poetry.

3 :to be fully aware of

I appreciate how important this is.

4 :to increase in number or value Your investment should appreciate in time.

Synonym Discussion of appreciate

appreciate, treasure, and cherish mean to think very much of something. appreciate is used when a person understands and enjoys the true worth of something.

- I can appreciate good music.

treasure is often used of something of great sentimental value that is thought of as precious and is kept in a safe place.

- Parents treasure gifts that their children make.

cherish is used when a person loves and cares for something very much and often for a long time.

- We cherished their friendship for many years.

Law Dictionary

appreciate

verb ap·pre·ci·ate \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt, -ˈpri-, -sē- \

legal Definition of appreciate

appreciated; appreciating

transitive verb

1 :to judge or understand the significance of

incapable of appreciating the difference between right and wrong
—B. N. Cardozo

2 :to raise the market value of — compare depreciate

intransitive verb

:to rise in market value

—

appreciation

play \ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən, -ˌpri-, -sē-\ noun

Learn More about appreciate

See words that rhyme with appreciate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appreciate Spanish Central: Translation of appreciate Nglish: Translation of appreciate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of appreciate for Arabic speakers

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APPRECIATE Defined for English Language Learners

appreciate

Definition of appreciate for English Language Learners

APPRECIATE Defined for Kids

appreciate

Definition of appreciate for Students

Synonym Discussion of appreciate

Law Dictionary

appreciate

legal Definition of appreciate

appreciation

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