Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
appreciate
ap‧pre‧ci‧ate S2 W3 AC /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ verb
[Word Family: adverb: appreciably, appreciatively; adjective: appreciable, appreciative ≠ UNAPPRECIATIVE; verb: appreciate; noun: appreciation]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Late Latin; Origin: past participle of appretiare, from Latin ad- 'to' + pretium 'price']
1. [transitive not in progressive] to understand how serious or important a situation or problem is or what someone’s feelings are SYN realize
appreciate the significance/importance/value of something
• He did not fully appreciate the significance of signing the contract.
appreciate that
• We appreciate that caring for children is an important job.
appreciate what/how/why
• It is difficult to appreciate how bad the situation had become.
2. [transitive] used to thank someone in a polite way or to say that you are grateful for something they have done:
• Thanks ever so much for your help, I really appreciate it.
• I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I’m fine.
• I’d appreciate it if you let me get on with my job.
3. [transitive] to understand how good or useful someone or something is:
• Her abilities are not fully appreciated by her employer.
• I’m not an expert, but I appreciate fine works of art.
4. [intransitive] technical to gradually become more valuable over a period of time OPP depreciate:
• Most investments are expected to appreciate at a steady rate.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
appreciate
ap·preci·ateAW[appreciateappreciatesappreciatedappreciating] [əˈpriːʃieɪt] [əˈpriːʃieɪt]verb
1. transitive (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb/sth to recognize the good qualities of sb/sth
• You can't really appreciate foreign literature in translation.
• His talents are not fully appreciated in that company.
• Her family doesn't appreciate her.
2. transitive (not usually used in the progressive tenses) to be grateful for sth that sb has done; to welcome sth
• ~ sth I'd appreciate some help.
• Your support is greatly appreciated.
• Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.
• I would appreciate any comments you might have.
• I would appreciate it if you paid in cash.
• ~ doing sth I don't appreciate being treated like a second-class citizen.
• ~ sb doing sth We would appreciate you letting us know of any problems.
3. transitive (not used in the progressive tenses) to understand that sth is true
Syn: realize
• ~ sth What I failed to appreciate was the distance between the two cities.
• ~ how, what, etc… I don't think you appreciate how expensive it will be.
• ~ that… We didn't fully appreciate that he was seriously ill.
4. intransitive to increase in value over a period of time
• Their investments have appreciated over the years.
Opp: depreciate
Word Origin:
mid 16th cent.: from late Latin appretiat- ‘set at a price, appraised’, from the verb appretiare, from ad- ‘to’ + pretium ‘price’.
Thesaurus:
appreciate verb
1. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• Her family doesn't appreciate her.
value • • prize • • treasure • • admire • • respect • |formal cherish • • esteem •
value/prize sb/sth as/for sth
value/prize/treasure a friendship
really appreciate/value/treasure/admire/respect/cherish sb/sth
Appreciate or value? Use value for things that are important to you, for example your friends, health or freedom. If you appreciate sb/sth, you recognize its value, even if it is not important to you personally.
2. T (not used in the progressive tenses)
• I'd appreciate some help
welcome • • be grateful for sth • • be thankful for sth •
appreciate/welcome/be grateful for/be thankful for sb's support/help
appreciate/welcome/be grateful for sb's comments/suggestions
appreciate/welcome/be grateful for/be thankful for the chance/opportunity
Example Bank:
• It is generally appreciated that the rail network needs a complete overhaul.
• Teachers will especially appreciate the lists at the back of the book.
• The government failed to appreciate the fact that voters were angry.
• The problems should be easily appreciated.
• The sound quality was poor so we couldn't fully appreciate the music.
• We do really appreciate your help.
• Younger kids might especially appreciate a trip to the zoo.
• As you'll appreciate, the task has not always been easy.
• Her family doesn't appreciate her.
• I don't appreciate being treated like a second-class citizen.
• I don't think you appreciate how expensive it will be.
• I would appreciate it if you paid in cash.
• I'd appreciate some help.
• Thank you for your help. I do appreciate it.
• Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.
• We didn't fully appreciate how sick he really was.
• You can't really appreciate foreign literature in translation.
• You have to appreciate the difficulties we are facing.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
appreciate
appreciate (INCREASE) /əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪt/
verb [I]
to increase in value:
The value of our house has appreciated by 50% in the last two years.
Our house has appreciated (in value) by 50% in the last two years.
NOTE: The opposite is depreciate.
appreciation /əˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/
noun [U]
There has been little appreciation (= increase) in the value of property recently.
appreciate (VALUE) /əˈpriː.ʃi.eɪt/
verb [T]
1 to recognize or understand that something is valuable, important or as described:
There's no point buying him expensive wines - he doesn't appreciate them.
We appreciate the need for immediate action.
[+ that] I appreciate that it's a difficult decision for you to make.
[+ question word] I don't think you appreciate how much time I spent preparing this meal.
2 I/We appreciate... used when you are thanking someone or showing that you are grateful:
We really appreciate all the help you gave us last weekend.
[+ ing form of verb] I appreciate your making the effort to come.
3 would appreciate used when you are politely requesting something:
I would appreciate it if you could let me know (= Please let me know) in advance whether or not you will be coming.
appreciation /əˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/
noun [U]
when you recognize or understand that something is valuable, important or as described:
Max has no appreciation of the finer things in life.
The crowd cheered in appreciation.
Children rarely show any appreciation of/for what their parents do for them.
These flowers are a token of my appreciation of/for all your help.
appreciative /əˈpriː.ʃə.tɪv/ US /-ţɪv/
adjective
showing that you understand how good something is, or are grateful for something:
It's nice to have an appreciative audience.
I'm very appreciative of all the support you've given me.
appreciatively /əˈpriː.ʃə.tɪv.li/ US /-ţɪv-/
adverb
She smiled appreciatively at him.
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
appreciate
[əpri͟ːʃieɪt]
appreciates, appreciating, appreciated
1) VERB If you appreciate something, for example a piece of music or good food, you like it because you recognize its good qualities.
[V n] Anyone can appreciate our music...
[V n] In time you'll appreciate the beauty and subtlety of this language.
2) VERB If you appreciate a situation or problem, you understand it and know what it involves.
[V n] She never really appreciated the depth and bitterness of the Irish conflict...
[V that] He appreciates that co-operation with the media is part of his professional duties.
3) VERB If you appreciate something that someone has done for you or is going to do for you, you are grateful for it.
[V n] Peter stood by me when I most needed it. I'll always appreciate that...
[V n] Thanks, lads. I appreciate it...
[V it if] I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't mention it.
4) VERB If something that you own appreciates over a period of time, its value increases.
They don't have any confidence that houses will appreciate in value.
Syn:
go up
Ant:
depreciate