appreciate
verb
-ˈpri-
Amy TanAlex GurleyStacey Ballis
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Meanings of Appreciate
Some find it troubling that English is in a constant state of flux, while others take comfort in the 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
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.
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Pokémon fans will appreciate Jhené Aiko's 2019 Halloween costume as Ash Ketchum, the franchise's protagonist.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
The jury also appreciated the thematically appropriate disregard for linear time used in the movie and found hope and joy in watching these characters seek humor and hold tight to each other in the face of a difficult disease.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
The garments by the two designers are arranged side by side or facing each other, allowing visitors to appreciate the contrast between Balenciaga’s formal elegance and Alaïa’s sensual style.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appreciate
Cite this Entry
“Appreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciate. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appreciate
verb
ə-ˈprish-ē-ˌāt
from Latin appretiatus "having put a value on," derived from ap-, ad- "to" and pretium "price" — related to price
Legal Definition
appreciate
verb
B. N. Cardozo
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