appreciate
verb (transitive)
To increase in value.
Example Sentences
The value of real estate tends to appreciate over time.
His skills have appreciated significantly since he started the new job.
Investors are looking for assets that appreciate in value.
The antique's worth appreciated after it was featured in the magazine.
The company's stock price appreciated following the positive earnings report.
With proper maintenance, the property will appreciate in value.
The collector's items have appreciated rapidly due to their rarity.
Over the years, her reputation has appreciated in the industry.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To recognize worth or show gratitude.“Appreciate” often appears in contexts where someone acknowledges or values something—tangible or intangible. In its most common usage, it means to show thankfulness for a kindness, service, or gift, underscoring genuine recognition of another’s effort. For example, you might say, “I really appreciate your help today,” expressing gratitude for assistance. Likewise, in finance or real estate, “appreciate” can refer to an asset rising in value—like a house that appreciates over time. This sense of incremental growth informs how we often discuss progress or improvement: “Your skill in public speaking has really appreciated after those workshops.” In daily life, it’s common to combine “appreciate” with direct objects or clarifying phrases. You might appreciate someone’s honesty, patience, or artistic talent. It can also tie into emotional or interpersonal realms: “I appreciate how understanding you are about my schedule,” showing empathy and awareness of a friend’s or colleague’s flexibility. Such usage indicates that you see and value the qualities or actions that positively impact you. Meanwhile, parents teach children to appreciate what they have—a deeper lesson on gratitude. Employers encourage staff to appreciate each other’s contributions, fostering a supportive culture. In personal growth, you might adopt a gratitude journal to reflect on life’s positives, building a habit of ongoing appreciation. Realizing that a simple “thank you” can be powerful, many find “appreciate” central to healthy relationships—both at home and in professional circles. One subtlety is that “appreciate” carries a tone of genuine acknowledgment. When you say you appreciate someone’s viewpoint, you’re granting validity to their thoughts, whether or not you fully agree. This sets the stage for respectful discourse, bridging divergent perspectives. Sometimes, “I appreciate your feedback” might be standard courtesy in emails, but sincerity remains key—people can generally sense whether that appreciation is heartfelt or purely polite. Ultimately, “appreciate” emphasizes regard for worth, whether material or emotional. You can appreciate a scenic view, expressing awe at nature’s beauty, or appreciate the efforts of a team that pulled together under a deadline. Consciously using “appreciate” can cultivate an attitude of thankfulness, deepening connections and reinforcing a culture where contributions are recognized. In every sphere—home, work, community—acknowledging the good that others bring goes a long way toward mutual respect and encouragement. By voicing appreciation frequently and specifically, you strengthen bonds and highlight meaningful acts in daily life.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “appreciate” often depend on the nuance you wish to convey. “Value” or “cherish” underscores deep admiration and emotional weight, as in “I value our time together” or “I cherish your thoughtfulness.” “Be grateful for” spells out a sense of indebtedness or warm-hearted recognition, especially with intangible help: “I’m grateful for your kindness.” “Acknowledge” works when you want to recognize a contribution without necessarily implying personal sentiment—“I acknowledge your role in completing this project.” If the context involves improvement in value—financial or otherwise—terms like “increase,” “gain,” or “rise in worth” capture the numerical aspect of appreciation. Meanwhile, “admire” highlights respect or esteem, with less emphasis on gratitude. “Respect” itself can substitute when you want to show regard for someone’s ideas, achievements, or qualities. Each choice focuses on a slightly different shade of meaning, whether it’s emotional gratitude, formal acknowledgment, or economic growth. In practice, “appreciate” remains flexible, bridging emotional closeness and a more distanced, yet sincere, admiration. By mixing these synonyms, you tailor the tone to your context—warm, formal, technical, or something in-between.
Writing
When writing about “appreciate,” clarify whether the context is personal or formal. In personal narratives, you might share how a character learns to appreciate simple pleasures—like a sunrise or a thoughtful gesture—highlighting emotional depth. If discussing business or financial topics, “appreciate” can reference asset growth, e.g., “The company’s stock price has appreciated by 20% this quarter,” indicating tangible improvement. If you’re drafting a letter or email, using “I appreciate” or “We appreciate” can set a polite tone. You might say, “We appreciate your prompt response,” acknowledging the recipient’s cooperation. In more creative texts, show appreciation rather than just stating it—describe how gratitude changes the mood or fosters closeness among characters, letting readers see the profound effect of recognition. Meanwhile, in academic or analytical pieces, you might parse how the concept of appreciation ties into well-being—“Research suggests that regularly expressing appreciation enhances social bonds.” Support such statements with citations or examples, adding credibility. Whether highlighting emotional resonance or factual growth, weaving “appreciate” into your writing underscores the importance of gratitude or positive recognition in any domain.
Casual Conversation
Casually, people typically use “appreciate” to express spontaneous thanks or recognition. “I appreciate it,” might be a quick note after a friend loans you a jacket on a chilly evening. Lighthearted texts or chat messages—“I appreciate you picking up lunch!”—infuse personal interactions with kindness. By explicitly saying “appreciate,” you give more weight to the thanks than a simple “Thanks.” Friends might also say, “I really appreciate you being here,” when needing emotional support, indicating that someone’s presence or empathy truly matters. At times, “appreciate” gets shortened—like “’Preciate it” in more informal circles—though this can feel overly casual or slangy. Using “appreciate” sincerely fosters closeness: it shows you’re not taking someone’s help or input for granted. And while it’s not as formal as “I am profoundly grateful,” “I appreciate you” or “I appreciate that gesture” sets a warm, direct tone. Overall, this straightforward, heartfelt approach can deepen friendships or maintain positivity in everyday life. You’ll also hear “appreciation” in lighthearted banter—like praising a friend’s comedic sense or noticing their cooking skills. The phrase “I appreciate your humor!” acknowledges how that person’s jokes brighten your day. Such casual compliments build an easy camaraderie, reflecting that you see and enjoy each other’s unique offerings.
Etymology
The word “appreciate” arises from Latin “appretiatus,” a past participle of “appretiare,” meaning “to set a price to” or “to value.” Rooted in “ad-” (“to”) and “pretium” (“price” or “worth”), its early sense related to assessing or increasing value—like appraising goods. Over time, the concept broadened beyond mere monetary worth. By the 17th century, “appreciate” in English also meant “to esteem or regard favorably,” weaving gratitude into the notion of recognizing something’s importance or utility. During the Industrial Revolution, financial contexts made “appreciation” a staple term for assets rising in price—reflecting their enhanced worth. Meanwhile, social and emotional usage flourished, pointing to respectful acknowledgment of intangible qualities. This evolution underscores that to “appreciate” means both to elevate something’s perceived value (through recognition) and to be thankful or approving in spirit. Today, “appreciate” remains a versatile verb bridging monetary, emotional, and interpersonal contexts, rooted in the idea of honoring something’s worth.