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 As a person who loves both my culture and Japan, seeing the fusion and the appreciation that Japanese people showed was heartwarming and thrilling. Kristin Braswell, Essence, 28 Sep. 2023 Her dad – who occasionally is the recipient of her hard work in the kitchen – has a great appreciation for her culinary talent. Audrey Schmidt, Peoplemag, 28 Sep. 2023 Where prices are rising and falling the most Cities with the most price appreciation in July from the year before were Chicago, up 4.4%; Cleveland, up 4.0%; and New York, up 3.8%. Anna Bahney, CNN, 26 Sep. 2023 In addition to trendy Italian food, Taylor Swift also seems to have developed a new appreciation for black ’fits like this one. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 19 Sep. 2023 Moreover, mindfulness fosters a deeper connection to nature and an appreciation for the present moment, which can counteract the sense of despair associated with future environmental uncertainties. Karen Magruder, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2023 Little wins every day became huge and gave me more appreciation for the big wins. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023 Growing up amidst the vibrant and diverse culture of SoCal, Neema developed a unique appreciation for quality and authenticity. Joshua Adragna, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2023 Her gospel draws on the individual impulse to tinker, prevalent in early America and throughout its history, and joins it with an appreciation for animate objects developed in her five years as a miko, or shrine maiden, at a Shinto temple. Coco Krumme, WIRED, 13 Sep. 2023 See More

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 3 Oct. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciation

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