appreciation

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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 appreciationb : judgment, evaluation; especially : a favorable critical estimatec : 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

All our soldiers deserve our respect and appreciation.

— seattle times readers, The Seattle Times, "Can’t keep your anti-Vietnam tirade to yourself? Maybe skip talking to a veteran", 4 June 2017
About 150 of those were Marshall Scholars, who studied in England through a scholarship program established by Parliament in appreciation for the Marshall Plan.

— robert barnes, Washington Post, "Gorsuch stresses rule of law, system where ‘government can lose in its own courts’", 3 June 2017
Amateur painter and sculptor Harvey S. Ladew had a keen appreciation of art in many forms — painting, traditional sculpture, garden design and of course, the art of topiary.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Ladew presents 'Sculpture in the Garden,' works by Mary Ann Mears", 2 June 2017
One person, who was obviously paying attention in art appreciation class, noticed the irony that most people missed.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "Have you heard about the mugshot that unleashed puns around the world?", 30 May 2017
African-Americans who were forced to live in apartments and not be homeowners gained none of that appreciation.

— katie nodjimbadem, Smithsonian, "The Racial Segregation of American Cities Was Anything But Accidental", 30 May 2017
In addition to his magazine pieces and NPR commentaries, Deford wrote more than a dozen books, including a poignant appreciation of his daughter, Alex, who died of cystic fibrosis in 1980 at age 8.

— childs walker, baltimoresun.com, "Award-winning Baltimore sports writer Frank Deford dies at 78", 29 May 2017
There should be reflection and appreciation from a career that has spanned five decades.

— the lonnquist notes, by kevin lonnquist, star-telegram, "First impulsive act in Trinity girls hoops coach’s 41 years was to retire", 29 May 2017
Einhorn’s Greenlight Capital LLC, which owned 3.6 percent of GM’s shares as of March 31, seeks to replace three of 11 board members and split the stock into two classes -- one tracking capital appreciation, the other, dividends -- to unlock value.

— john gittelsohn, Bloomberg.com, "Einhorn Call for GM Changes Rejected by Shareholder Advisers", 27 May 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!

First Known Use: 1604

See Words from the same year

APPRECIATION Defined for English Language Learners

appreciation

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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

APPRECIATION Defined for Kids

appreciation

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

Definition of appreciation for Students

1 : a feeling of being grateful Let me express my appreciation for your help.
2 : awareness or understanding of worth or value She studied art appreciation.
3 : a rise in value