What does "appreciate" mean?

1. (to be thankful) to be grateful for something someone has done for you. 2. (to value something) to recognize the good qualities of someone or something. 3. (to understand) to understand how serious or important a situation is. 4. (to increase in value) to grow in value over a period of time.

How do you use "appreciate"?

Commonly used in financial contexts regarding property, stocks, or currency.

Is it correct to say "I appreciate for your help."?

No — say "I appreciate your help.". Do not use 'for' after appreciate. The verb takes the object directly.

appreciate

US //əˈpɹiʃiˌeɪt// UK //ɐpɹˈiːʃɪˌeɪt// ap·pre·ci·ate

1 to be thankful (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to be grateful for something someone has done for you.

to express or feel gratitude for a service, gift, or gesture. Transitive — requires a direct object.

Example

I really appreciate your help with the heavy boxes this morning.

Example

The department head wrote a formal letter to appreciate the team's tireless efforts during the merger transition.
- thank
- be grateful for
Pitfall

I appreciate for your help.

I appreciate your help.

Do not use 'for' after appreciate. The verb takes the object directly.
2 to value something (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to recognize the good qualities of someone or something.

to recognise the quality, value, or significance of something through aesthetic or intellectual judgment.

Example

You need to visit the gallery to truly appreciate the detail in these paintings.

Example

While many found the film's pacing too slow, critics were quick to appreciate the director's nuanced use of silence and shadow.
- undervalue
- disregard

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3 to understand (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to understand how serious or important a situation is.

to be fully aware of or to understand the nature, implications, or magnitude of a situation.

Example

I appreciate that this is a difficult time for your family.

Example

The board failed to appreciate the scale of the logistical challenges involved in expanding the franchise into overseas markets.
- misunderstand
- ignore
4 to increase in value (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic Technical

to grow in value over a period of time.

to increase in price or value, especially over a sustained period. Often used intransitively.

Example

The value of their house has appreciated significantly since they bought it.

Example

Investors typically seek assets that are expected to appreciate at a rate higher than inflation over the next decade.

Usage

Commonly used in financial contexts regarding property, stocks, or currency.
- depreciate
- lose value

Origin

Originated 1645–55; from Medieval Latin appreciātus (“valued or appraised”), later variant of Late Latin appretiātus (“appraised”), the perfect passive participle of appretiō (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from a(d) (“toward”) + preti(um) (“price”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix). Cognate to French apprécier. Latin root also origin of English appraise, which has various Romance cognates; see also precious.