appreciate
uh-PREE-shee-ayt
Appreciate (verb) means to be grateful for something. Example: “I really appreciate your help with this.”
verb
1
To be grateful for something.
"I really appreciate your help with this."
"She appreciated the kind gesture more than she let on."
"We truly appreciate everyone who came out in the rain to support the charity."
2
To understand and value the true quality, meaning, or importance of something.
"You need to travel to truly appreciate the size of the desert."
"It takes years of practice to appreciate how difficult a perfect violin note really is."
"Children rarely appreciate their parents' sacrifices until they have families of their own."
3
(of an asset) To increase in value over time.
"The house has appreciated significantly since they bought it."
"Rare coins usually appreciate if they are kept in good condition."
"Experts expect land near the new station to appreciate over the coming years."
How to use appreciate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be thankful for something, to properly understand its value, or (for money/property) to grow in value.
Common pairings
greatly appreciate
appreciate in value
appreciate the effort
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- appreciates
- Past tense
- appreciated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I really _____ your help with this.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin appreciatus, "valued or appraised," from ad- + pretium, "price" — the same root as precious and appraise.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for appreciate
See all rhymes for appreciate →Frequently asked questions
What does “appreciate” mean?
The word “appreciate” means to be grateful for something. In plain terms, to be thankful for something, to properly understand its value, or (for money/property) to grow in value.
How do you pronounce “appreciate”?
“Appreciate” is pronounced uh-PREE-shee-ayt (/əˈpɹiː.ʃi.eɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “appreciate” in a sentence?
Here is “appreciate” used in a sentence: “I really appreciate your help with this.”
What part of speech is “appreciate”?
“Appreciate” is a verb.
Where does the word “appreciate” come from?
The word “appreciate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin appreciatus, "valued or appraised," from ad- + pretium, "price" — the same root as precious and appraise.
Is “appreciate” a common word?
“Appreciate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “appreciate” have?
“Appreciate” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be grateful for something.
What is the difference between 'appreciate' and 'be grateful'?
They're very close and often interchangeable. 'Be grateful' points directly at thankfulness for a kindness or good fortune. 'Appreciate' adds a sense of recognizing something's value — you can appreciate a gesture, an effort, or a fine wine. In everyday use, 'I appreciate it' and 'I'm grateful for it' say nearly the same thing.
What are the different meanings of 'appreciate'?
'Appreciate' has three main senses. It can mean to be grateful ('I appreciate your help'), to value or recognize the worth of something ('she appreciates good music'), and to rise in value over time ('the house appreciated'). It can also mean to understand fully, as in 'I appreciate the difficulty involved.'
What is the opposite of 'appreciate'?
The opposite depends on the sense. For gratitude, the reverse is to be ungrateful or to take something for granted. For valuing, opposites include to scorn, dismiss, or underrate. For rising in value, the opposite is 'depreciate' — to lose value over time, as a car does after purchase.
How do you use 'appreciate' politely?
'Appreciate' is a warm, courteous way to express thanks. Common phrases include 'I really appreciate it,' 'I'd appreciate your help,' and 'much appreciated.' Adding it softens requests and acknowledges effort — 'I'd appreciate a reply by Friday' sounds more gracious than a blunt demand while still making the ask clear.
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