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

Top Wall Street analysts can help pick stocks that pay regular dividends while having the ability to generate capital appreciation and boost total returns. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 7 June 2026

Fans and former costars alike flooded social media with outpourings of appreciation for his talent and grief at his death. —ArsTechnica, 7 June 2026

Maybe then some appreciation goes to those who brought the games here, going all the way back to original Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie, who had the initial vision to build a stadium to host a World Cup. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026

For Schanzenbach, the project has also given her a newfound appreciation for the people who designed the villa in the first place. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 6 June 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