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

Heitinga, who combines defensive nous with an appreciation for attacking football, may prove key as Frank’s side aims to improve on both ends. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2026

The fundamental appreciation of capitalism, techno-optimism, and American power at the heart of the old Republican agenda are valuable and important, but the anti-populist and neoliberal ideology of the Never Trumpers makes them, as Tech Hamiltonians see it, politically irrelevant. —Walter Russell Mead, The Atlantic, 24 Jan. 2026

The good news for house hunters is that appreciation has cooled. —Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Owners are staying longer — especially during the summer months — and increasingly discovering Telluride as a true year-round destination, with growing appreciation for the lifestyle in shoulder seasons beyond peak ski season. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration