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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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 L’Engle’s implicit assumption that her readers will appreciate, and benefit from, her instruction. — Ruth Franklin, The New York Review of Books, "L’Engle’s Cosmic Catechism," 25 Feb. 2020 Reviewers appreciate how cozy and warm this onesie is, and many recommend it for the ease the buttons provided. 11. — Madison Durham, USA TODAY, "12 great baby shower gifts you can get from Carter’s," 21 Feb. 2020 There’s a softer benefit as well, which is making players feel valued and appreciated and respected. — Henry Schulman, SFChronicle.com, "Giants to go beyond MLB and raise minor-league pay in 2020, help with housing," 18 Feb. 2020 With the current chart, travelers appreciate the ability to redeem for awards that permit stopovers, another benefit that Olson says the airline has no plans to change either. — Ramsey Qubein, Condé Nast Traveler, "What Alaska Airlines Joining Oneworld Means for Frequent Fliers," 18 Feb. 2020 Their enthusiasm for China and contribution to China-UK relation is highly appreciated. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Andrew Reportedly Delivers a Message from Queen Elizabeth About the Coronavirus," 11 Feb. 2020 And aside from perfume's ability to influence our moods and memories, Richie has long appreciated the impact of fragrance in his day-to-day life. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Lionel Richie Says Creating His Own Fragrance, Hello, Was the "Best Lesson" He's Ever Learned," 9 Feb. 2020 The outpouring of support is both appreciated and overwhelming. — David Taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Funeral plans set for deceased Liberty County Deputy Whitten," 7 Feb. 2020 For a long time, Steve didn’t appreciate how great Joe was. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "History of the 49ers," 30 Jan. 2020

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.