Appreciate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈpɹi.ʃi.eɪt/, /əˈpɹɪ.ʃi.eɪt/

Alternative forms

• appretiate

Origin

Originated 1645–55 from Medieval Latin appreciatus ("valued or appraised"), from Late Latin appretiatus ("appraised"), from ap- (form of ad- ("towards")) + preti(um) ("price") (English precious) + -atus.

Cognate to French apprécier. Latin root also origin of English appraise, which has various Romance cognates.

Full definition of appreciate

Verb

1. (transitive) to be grateful or thankful for.I appreciate your efforts
2. (transitive) to view as valuable.You must learn to appreciate time
3. (transitive) to be fully conscious of; be aware of; detect.To test the power of bees to appreciate color.
• Lubbockto test the power of bees to appreciate colour
4. (transitive) to increase in value.The value of his portfolio appreciated by 80% over eight years.
• Ramsaylest a sudden peace should appreciate the money

Usage notes

This is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing). See

Synonyms

• esteem
• estimate
• understand

Antonyms

• depreciate

Related terms