appreciate

verb

ap·pre·ci·ate | \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt,

-ˈpri- also -ˈprē-sē-

appreciated; appreciating

Definition of appreciate

transitive verb

1a : 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.

Other Words from appreciate Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Meanings of Appreciate More Example Sentences Learn More about appreciate

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Other Words from appreciate

appreciator \ -ˌā-tər

\ noun

appreciatory \ -ˈprē-shə-ˌtȯr-ē ,

-ˈpri-shə-

\ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for 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, 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.

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.

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 on the Web

Ira Epstein, a strategist with Linn & Associates, is advising clients that gold, platinum and palladium will appreciate in coming months, as slowing growth in the U.S. forces the Fed to raise rates at a more gradual pace. — Amrith Ramkumar, WSJ, "Gold Becomes Fourth-Quarter Standout as Demand Surges," 17 Dec. 2018 Or perhaps Raj needs someone who appreciates Beyoncé in all her glory. — Jessica Radloff, Glamour, "The Big Bang Theory," 8 Nov. 2018 In lieu of flowers, donations to Hadassah would be appreciated. — Hartford Courant, courant.com, "Irvin Krantz," 14 July 2018 There is much to appreciate in bottles of well-made, energetic American rosés. — Eric Asimov, New York Times, "American Rosés Without Clichés," 5 July 2018 Clearly there’s this notion that certain types of music are meant to be appreciated in a deeper way or over a longer term than other types of music. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "What Classical Music Can Learn From Kanye West," 2 July 2018 The True Cost Eco-conscious viewers interested in exploring fashion through the lens of sustainability will appreciate The True Cost. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "The 10 Best Fashion Movies That Aren't The Devil Wears Prada," 24 Dec. 2018 While Dragon Ball fans are in for a fan service treat, everyone can appreciate the visuals and gameplay on offer here. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, "Ars Technica’s best games of 2018," 24 Dec. 2018 Although neither Smith nor Jones make an appearance in this trailer, Men in Black International does carry through some of the classic comedy stylings fans will appreciate. — Julia Alexander, The Verge, "First Men in Black International trailer stars a fun reunion for Thor: Ragnarok fans," 20 Dec. 2018

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.