appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-ˌpri-,
 also  -ˌprē-sē-
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

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 on the Web But few destinations have worked harder than Hawaii to share with travelers the local culture of appreciation. Christine Sarkis, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024 The positive eco-impact of wearing looks more than once is obvious, but the choice to re-wear a look often boils down to something even more basic: a lasting appreciation of great artistry. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2024 With such an important occasion approaching, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wants to give parents, caregivers, family members and friends the opportunity to share their appreciation of these students' accomplishments. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024 Jack Antonoff is showing his appreciation for his longtime friend and musical collaborator Taylor Swift after the release of the artist’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department on April 19. Tabitha Parent, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024 Fans left comments on 101 The Fox’s Facebook post, showing an appreciation of Slacker. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024 What is most appealing varies from player to player, but Doval summed up his appreciation of the culture here in two words. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024 Of late, there’s been a theme of player appreciation, as the Ducks build solidarity from a season that’s featured just five winning streaks and only one longer than two games. Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 14 Apr. 2024 But there also were scattered RIPs, condolences offered toward the family and words of appreciation for Simpson’s accomplishments on the field. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appreciation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of appreciation was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near appreciation

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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