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

Throughout the mission, the astronauts often looked at Earth and reflected with awe, longing and a seemingly new appreciation for our home planet. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

From 2013 to early 2020, home price appreciation (HPA) consistently registered at between 5% and 7%. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026

To show their appreciation for the high school that molded them, and for some, like Maresh Doe, to give back. —Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

But the 2026 Faces of Death is actually really good, and having a better understanding of the original — including the controversy that has hovered around it for decades — will only bolster your appreciation of the delicate balancing act that Goldhaber and co-writer Isa Mazzei have pulled off. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 10 Apr. 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