appreciation

noun

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

-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

Synonyms of appreciation

• admiration
• respect
• regard

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

On Friday, Zandalasini expressed appreciation that the front office went all in on the current group. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026

Campbell recently spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about his appreciation for Gerber’s bookish background. — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

Unfortunately, the common message in traditional financial advice is to work diligently for 30 or 40 years, invest in the stock market and hope that appreciation provides for a comfortable retirement. — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Some scientists in the room said Kennedy’s expressions of appreciation were difficult to hear after his previous criticisms of the CDC, as well as federal health department cuts last year that included hundreds of positions at the agency. — Lena H. Sun, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing appreciation

• in appreciation of

Rhymes for appreciation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation