appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Home value appreciation in 40513 was on par with the No. 2 most expensive ZIP code: 41.7% over five years, from $383,166 in March 2020 to $542,888 in March 2025. Andrew Depietro, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 When Cyclists Made Up an Entire Political Bloc Erin Blakemore August 26, 2018 The League of American Wheelmen was originally intended to spread bicycle appreciation. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025 Jung says that attending tea ceremonies can give viewers an appreciation for chanoyu as a living practice. Nathan Pugh, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025 As Wilshere and his players greeted the Norwich fans, across the Riverside pitch, Michael Carrick and his Middlesbrough squad were conducting a disconsolate lap of appreciation in a largely emptied stadium. Michael Walker, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appreciation

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of appreciation was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciation

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