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

Van Buren, the first unapologetic American party theorist, appreciated this role. — Jay Cost, National Review, "Restoring Congress: The Parties Are a Solution," 17 June 2019 Given how seriously Sharpe took his craft, Bowlen appreciated the star’s levity. — Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post, "Shannon Sharpe found an owner who has his back in Pat Bowlen," 14 June 2019 Song appreciates that Anne being Thai allows for very specific representation, introducing kids who might not know much about the culture at a young age. — Tracy Brown, latimes.com, "‘Amphibia’ creator wants kids to feel seen with his Thai American heroine," 14 June 2019 Even players unfamiliar with the classic version of FFVII, such as myself, will appreciate the new game’s outstanding presentation, scale (two Blu-rays worth of content!), and tight hybrid realtime/JRPG combat. — Evan Lewis, EW.com, "E3 2019 highlights: The 15 best announcements, trailers, and games," 14 June 2019 Beecher coach Kevin Hayhurst appreciates great talent. — Tony Baranek, Daily Southtown, "Say 'Hay': Beecher's Kevin Hayhurst is the 2019 Daily Southtown Softball Coach of the Year," 14 June 2019 Visitors can appreciate sweeping views of the city, Truckee Meadows, the Sierra Nevada range and Great Basin Desert. — Washington Post, "Why you should visit Columbus, Ohio," 13 June 2019 The company appreciates employees through recognition programs, lunches with the president on the anniversary of their hire month and celebrations for new hires. — Leigh Farr, azcentral, "Small Company Rankings," 13 June 2019 His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, "Atlanta News Station Honors Bushwick Bill With Geto Boys-Themed Traffic Report," 11 June 2019

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.