appreciation

noun ap·pre·ci·a·tion \ ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən , -ˌpri- also -ˌprē-sē- \

Updated on: 13 Oct 2017

Definition of appreciation

1 a :a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude

I want to express my appreciation for all you've done.

a small token of our appreciation

b :judgment, evaluation; especially :a favorable critical estimate

c :sensitive awareness; especially :recognition of aesthetic values

a class in music appreciation

2 :increase in value

See appreciation defined for English-language learners

Examples of appreciation in a Sentence

You've been so generous, and I'd like to show my appreciation by cooking a meal for you.
She's shown little appreciation for the effort you've made.
I'm not sure you have an appreciation of the complexity of the situation.
I've gained an appreciation for the skills involved in the game.

Recent Examples of appreciation from the Web

Analysts cite additional factors, including Mexicans’ appreciation of the wider selection of goods and services available.

— joshua partlow, Washington Post, "While Trump bashes NAFTA, it’s Americanizing Mexico," 28 Aug. 2017
Given that anything above 50 indicates expansion, the survey of the eurozone’s manufacturing and services sectors suggests that the region’s momentum has continued through the summer despite the recent appreciation in the euro.

— pan pylas, The Seattle Times, "Eurozone recovery ongoing as focus turns to Jackson Hole," 23 Aug. 2017
Giving us freckle and acne appreciation in one, Gabrielle drew on faux freckles with a white eyeliner.

— sarah wu, Teen Vogue, "Acne Appreciation: How To Create Art Using Your Pimples," 22 Aug. 2017
As the correspondence progresses, my appreciation of Burgundy blooms.

— jay mcinerney, Town & Country, "Good Wine and Fax Machines Brought Jay McInerney and Julian Barnes Together," 17 Aug. 2017
Drake-level appreciation of thickness Deep dish pizza can get a bad rap, particularly the thick, goopy versions that more closely resemble your great-auntie’s casseroles than a proper pie.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "The Best Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza in LA Has Something Other LA Deep Dishes Don’t," 7 Aug. 2017
After canceling his Purpose Tour two weeks ago, Justin Bieber released a letter explaining his reasons for the abrupt concert cancellations and expressing his overall appreciation for his fans.

— cara zimmerman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Justin Bieber Releases a Heartfelt Letter On Why He Cancelled His 'Purpose' Tour," 3 Aug. 2017
To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with appreciation and highest esteem, John F. Kennedy.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "What JFK Gave Queen Elizabeth the First—And Only—Time They Met," 11 July 2017
But more importantly, deep appreciation from me for going all in when no one cared about our game.

— jonathan tannenwald, Philly.com, "Mia Hamm, Anson Dorrance lead tributes to Tony DiCicco at star-studded memorial service," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appreciation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of appreciation

see appreciate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1604

See Words from the same year

appreciation Synonyms

Synonyms

account, admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

Antonyms

disfavor

Related Words

appetite, fancy, fondness, like, love, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use; acclamation, adoration, adulation, approbation, deference, hero worship, homage, honor, idolatry, infatuation, lionization, praise, props [slang], reverence, veneration, worship; delight, enjoyment; amazement, awe, wonder, wonderment; enthusiasm, interest, passion; bias, prejudice; affection, attachment, devotion, passion

Near Antonyms

condemnation, disapproval, disdain, opprobrium, scorn; disappointment, discontent, disenchantment, disgruntlement, disillusionment, displeasure, indignation, unhappiness; aversion, contempt, disfavor, disgust, disinclination, dislike, disliking, disregard, distaste; hate, hatred, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; abomination, antipathy, detestation; deprecation, displeasure, dissatisfaction

Financial Definition of APPRECIATION

appreciation

noun

What It Is

Appreciation is an increase in the value of an investment.

How It Works

Let's assume you purchased one share of Company XYZ stock for $5. If that share's value increased to $7, the investment has appreciated by $2.

Note that even though the investment has appreciated by $2, you will not benefit unless you sell the stock and put $7 back in your pocket. If you do not sell, the appreciation is often referred to as “paper profit.”

Why It Matters

The definition of appreciation on InvestingAnswers Appreciation is the end goal for most investors. It is the founding principle upon which nearly every investment strategy rests. However, to realize the benefits of appreciation, the investment asset must be sold. This is generally considered a taxable event, meaning taxes will be due on some or all of the gains.

Source: Investing Answers

APPRECIATION Defined for English Language Learners

appreciation

noun

Definition of appreciation for English Language Learners

: a feeling of being grateful for something
: an ability to understand the worth, quality, or importance of something : an ability to appreciate something
: full awareness or understanding of something