appreciable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- appreciably adverb
- unappreciable adjective
- unappreciably adverb
Etymology
Origin of appreciable
First recorded in 1810–20; appreci(ate) + -able
Explanation
Movie theater popcorn tastes much better than microwave popcorn. The difference between them is appreciable — that is, you notice it. A good way to remember appreciable is to think of the related word appreciate. You appreciate the quality of the popcorn at the movie theater because it is significantly better than what you make at home. Of course, appreciable differences aren't always appreciated. There has been an appreciable improvement in the quality of televisions in the last 20 years, but if you've got an old TV, that isn't much comfort.
Vocabulary lists containing appreciable
Novel Study: When Breath Becomes Air, Prologue–Part I
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Stan Freberg (1926-2015) Tribute List
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Anya and the Dragon
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The result is at odds with a similar monthly survey, fielded by the University of Michigan, which showed an appreciable March decline in results published last week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
We found no appreciable difference between the two datasets.
From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026
“It would surprise me if we didn’t have some appreciable employment loss,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026
The White House maintains that Trump’s will yield appreciable benefits in the future.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025
The sudden illness or death of farmers, spraymen, pilots, and others exposed to appreciable quantities of pesticides are tragic and should not occur.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
