appreciate

verb

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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 \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌā-tər

, -ˈpri- also -ˈprē-sē- \ noun

appreciatory \ ə-ˈprē-shə-ˌtȯr-ē

, ə-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

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 Young readers may or may not appreciate this conceit, but the pictures are what really make the book sing. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "What to Read This Spring: The Best Picture Books for Kids," 8 Apr. 2021 But Foster is concerned that many people don’t appreciate that children getting sick can be quite a terrible experience, even if relatively few end up requiring hospitalization or dying. — James Hamblin, The Atlantic, "The Urgency of Vaccinating Kids," 5 Apr. 2021 In this cut-for-time sketch, Ego Nwodim and Cecily Strong are out on a fancy stimmy-money double date with their boyfriends, Mikey Day and Daniel Kaluuya, the latter of whom does not appreciate Salt Bae’s flirtatious antics. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, "Salt Bae Cucks Daniel Kaluuya in This Cut-for-Time SNL Sketch," 4 Apr. 2021 But those numbers don’t fully appreciate that an unprecedented number of those arriving are children, and need more care and services than do adults and families. — BostonGlobe.com, "The situation on the southern border is Biden’s first political crisis as president ― whether he wants to admit it or not," 24 Mar. 2021 Judging by the ad hoc community formed in his comments sections, his viewers appreciate it. — New York Times, "Why Finance Gurus Switched Their Bait From Millions to Thousands of Dollars," 24 Mar. 2021 Non-inventors across the country may not immediately appreciate the role this agency has on everyday lives. — Matthew Lane, STAT, "Choosing the right director for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can help lower drug prices," 14 Mar. 2021 But there is one constituency that emphatically does not appreciate Pfizer’s efforts to find a scientific solution to the virus plague. — Nathan Vardi, Forbes, "Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla Helped Save The World. Can He Save His Company’s Stock?," 12 Mar. 2021 The passengers, a man and woman who authorities estimated were between 20 and 25 years old, apparently didn’t appreciate being reminded of such rules. — Katherine Rosenberg-douglas, chicagotribune.com, "Rideshare driver beaten, carjacked in Englewood after asking passengers not to eat in vehicle," 11 Mar. 2021

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.

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Last Updated

13 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Appreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciate. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for appreciate

appreciate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of appreciate

: 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

See the full definition for appreciate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

appreciate

verb

ap·pre·ci·ate | \ ə-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt

appreciated; appreciating

Kids Definition of appreciate

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.

Choose the Right Synonym for 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.