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

Derived Forms

• underappreciated
  adjective
• well-appreciated
  adjective
• unappreciated
  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

Graham Knaus, chief executive of the California State Assn. of Counties, told The Times that he appreciated efforts to raise awareness about the burden these changes would place on counties.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

A perfect example: Cybersecurity stocks have rebounded quickly from their lows as the market has appreciated that Anthropic’s cyber offering, Mythos, can’t take meaningful market share from the cyber software providers soon.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Bridle said the authority appreciated the "support and concern shown by the wider Clackmannanshire community".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

"We've had council officers cancel leave and miss family occasions to provide support on the ground, and that is very much appreciated."

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Although the headline made mention of my religion, the article mostly focused on me as an athlete, which I appreciated.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Related Words

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