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Synonyms

appreciate

American  
[uh-pree-shee-eyt] / əˈpri ʃiˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

appreciated, appreciating
  1. to be grateful or thankful for.

    They appreciated his thoughtfulness.

  2. to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on.

    to appreciate good wine.

  3. to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect.

    to appreciate the dangers of a situation.

  4. to raise in value.


verb (used without object)

appreciated, appreciating
  1. to increase in value.

    Property values appreciated yearly.

appreciate British  
/ əˈpriːʃɪˌeɪt, -sɪ- /

verb

  1. to feel thankful or grateful for

    to appreciate a favour

  2. (may take a clause as object) to take full or sufficient account of

    to appreciate a problem

  3. to value highly

    to appreciate Shakespeare

  4. (usually intr) to raise or increase in value

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say appreciate? To appreciate something is to value or regard it highly. How is appreciate different from esteem, value, and prize? Learn more on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

  • appreciatingly adverb
  • appreciator noun
  • self-appreciating adjective
  • unappreciating adjective

Etymology

Origin of appreciate

First recorded in 1645–55; from Medieval Latin appreciātus “valued, appraised,” from Late Latin appretiātus, past participle of appretiāre “to appraise” (equivalent to Latin ap- ap- 1 + preti(um) price + -ātus -ate 1 )

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.

"We appreciate the significant impact he has had on the game and wish him continued success, both on and off the course," added O'Neil.

From BBC

Maybe they will now appreciate the need for permitting reform so projects aren’t subject to double regulatory jeopardy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Performing with the Harlem Globetrotters in some of the most war-scarred, joy-desperate corners of the planet, his own shame prevents him from appreciating how much he’s entertaining the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Heritage might still play a role under new leadership, but its board has been slow to appreciate the internal dissatisfaction.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the dollar appreciates, U.S. goods become more expensive for foreign buyers, reducing export competitiveness.

From Barron's