Definition of appreciate
appreciated
;appreciating
transitive verb
1a : to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of appreciate the difference between right and wrongb : 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 itd : 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.
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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
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That may not always be appreciated, especially if your livelihood depends on getting rain and snow amounts, and timing, just right, all the time.
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The SEC's two former NBA coaches appreciate the talent of Golden State's super team, but favor LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.
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The event is free, but registration is required and a donation $5 to $10 is appreciated by NWIPA.
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No one appreciates a good book — and a quiet afternoon to indulge — like a busy mom.
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Such conversations remind me of my responsibility to help students see and appreciate complexity, both in stories that upend their expectations, and in our incomplete grasping of each other.
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Mr. Curcio appreciated the show, except for one aspect.
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A: To train each generation to appreciate and love the arts, music, theater, build confidence and love the Lord, all at the same time.
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Perhaps no one in that nation today appreciates the importance of familial relationships better than President Xi, the son of one of revolutionary China’s founding fathers, whose rise has been largely dependent on that status.
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
First Known Use: 1653
Synonym Discussion of appreciate
synonyms see in addition understand
APPRECIATE Defined for English Language Learners
appreciate
playDefinition of appreciate for English Language Learners
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: to understand the worth or importance of (something or someone) : to admire and value (something or someone)
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: to be grateful for (something)
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—used to make a polite request
APPRECIATE Defined for Kids
appreciate
playDefinition 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.
Law Dictionary
appreciate
playLegal 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
Learn More about appreciate
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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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