appreciation

noun

ap·pre·ci·a·tion | \ ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən

, -ˌpri- also -ˌprē-sē-\

Definition of appreciation

1a : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about appreciation

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for appreciation

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

disfavor

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

In parallel with the sterilization of capital inflows, the PBOC began in 2005 to allow appreciation in the yuan-dollar exchange rate. — John Greenwood, WSJ, "How China Copes With Capital Flight," 19 Nov. 2018 Someone who has an appreciation for the Constitution. — Brooke Singman, Fox News, "Trump wishes 'leader of Democrat Party' Maxine Waters a happy birthday," 15 Aug. 2018 The alumni group, made up of local residents who previously gained an appreciation for police work through their participation in the police's civilian training program, saw this particular need as fitting the goal of the organization. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Muskego police implement unique body cam for its K9, thanks to efforts of local group," 18 June 2018 After her strikeout on a high fastball in the eighth inning, Kubisty came away with an appreciation for the opportunity to face upper-tier pitching. — Andrew Turner, latimes.com, "Locals bring home memories from O.C. Softball Coaches All-Star Classic," 6 June 2018 Unison will provide at least half of a consumer’s down payment in exchange for a piece of any appreciation in the home’s value when it is sold. — Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times, "Getting Down Payment Help Now. Sharing Home’s Gain (or Loss) Later.," 1 June 2018 The path from suburbia to dystopia is narrated by an unnamed teen-ager with a fractured family, preternatural poise, and an appreciation for good diners. — Junot Díaz, The New Yorker, "Briefly Noted," 7 May 2018 The city's political history is knotted and complex, but one thing its activists have always held in common is a talent for propaganda and an appreciation for the power of song. — Kim Kelly, Chicago Reader, "The protest songs that drove the Wobblies a century ago are still lighting fires," 26 Apr. 2018 Home price appreciation in San Francisco between 2012 and 2017 was 84%, nearly double the national U.S. average of 45.4%. — Natasha Turak, USA TODAY, "Fire-ravaged Silicon Valley house on the market for a cool $800,000," 12 Apr. 2018

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about appreciation

Dictionary Entries near appreciation

Statistics for appreciation

Last Updated

15 Feb 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for appreciation

The first known use of appreciation was in 1604

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for appreciation

appreciation

noun

Financial Definition of appreciation

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.