DictionaryAI

appreciate

verb
uh-PREE-shee-ayt/əˈpɹiː.ʃi.eɪt/

Formsappreciates, appreciating, appreciated

4 meanings of appreciate

Practice

  1. 1
    valueverbtransitive
    To see something as valuable or important.

    Many students learn to appreciate good music over time.

    He appreciates fine art and visits museums often.

    Similarvalue, esteem

    Oppositeundervalue, underrate, disparage, underestimate

  2. 2
    be thankfulverbtransitive
    To feel thankful for something good that someone does or gives.

    Like the warm feeling you get when a friend helps you and you want to say thank you.

    I really appreciate your help with the move.

    She appreciates every gift her grandmother sends.

    UsageSay appreciate your help, with no for. To ask politely, say I'd appreciate it if you could…

  3. 3
    understandverbtransitive
    To fully understand or be aware of something.

    I appreciate how hard this decision is for you.

    She appreciates the danger of driving on icy roads.

    UsageYou can say appreciate that … or appreciate how …

    Similarunderstand, realize, recognize, grasp, comprehend

    Oppositeoverlook, misunderstand

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    rise in priceverbtransitive or intransitive
    To go up in value, or to make something go up in value.

    Classic cars often appreciate as they grow rarer.

    Homes in this area tend to appreciate quickly.

    UsageMoney can appreciate against other money. The opposite is depreciate.

    Similarincrease, rise, gain

    Oppositedepreciate

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of appreciate apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from a Latin word meaning to set a price on something, made from parts meaning "toward" and "price." It appeared in English in the mid-1600s.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts