appreciated

American  

[uh-pree-shee-ey-tid] / əˈpri ʃiˌeɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. regarded or received with thankfulness.

   The spa vouchers made a much appreciated gift for the new moms.

2. highly valued or esteemed.

   At the conference we get to network, make friends, and feel like an appreciated part of a vibrant community of researchers.

3. perceived and understood; recognized.

   The relationships between increased urbanization and decreased infection rates are still inadequately appreciated.

4. increased in value.

   For most of the society, the appreciated currency just makes it harder to pay off debt.

   Transferring appreciated securities to our charitable foundation is an excellent way to support breakthrough research while avoiding the capital gains tax.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of appreciate.

Other Word Forms

• unappreciated
  adjective
• underappreciated
  adjective
• well-appreciated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of appreciated

First recorded in 1750–60; appreciat(e) ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ), for the adjective senses; appreciat(e) ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ), for the verb sense

Explanation

Things that are appreciated are completely understood, and usually welcomed. If you're fully aware of how risky it is to wrestle alligators, you could say it's an appreciated danger. You might think you look extra cute in your new pink bicycle helmet, but it also has the appreciated benefit of protecting your skull when you're riding. A slightly different meaning of appreciated is "received with gratitude," so your thank you note to your Aunt Emily could say, "The hand-knitted leg warmers were much appreciated!" And if someone talks about an appreciated stock, they mean that it has increased in value.

Example Sentences

Southern Californians who appreciated that it was a shorter drive now can find gambling much closer, at tribal casinos.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Curran’s brawling with headquarters for more protection at that time was noted and appreciated by Trump.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Difference in ways still not always appreciated is fiercely celebrated.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"There are certain similarities with 2007 that keep me awake at night. The similarities are clear fragilities in the financial system that are not properly appreciated."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In Evan's case, he also appreciated the little things, like ladybugs and lucky pennies and the clouds on a rainy day.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• beneficial
• costly
• expensive
• helpful
• important
• invaluable
• prized
• profitable
• relevant
• scarce
• treasured
• useful
• valued
• worthwhile