# appreciate

/əˈpɹiʃiˌeɪt/ (US) · /ɐpɹˈiːʃɪˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appreciate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to be thankful

verb · CEFR B1

to be grateful for something someone has done for you.

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

- I really appreciate your help with the heavy boxes this morning.
- The department head wrote a formal letter to appreciate the team's tireless efforts during the merger transition.

### 2. to value something

verb · CEFR B2

to recognize the good qualities of someone or something.

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

- You need to visit the gallery to truly appreciate the detail in these paintings.
- While many found the film's pacing too slow, critics were quick to appreciate the director's nuanced use of silence and shadow.

### 3. to understand

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to understand how serious or important a situation is.

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

- I appreciate that this is a difficult time for your family.
- The board failed to appreciate the scale of the logistical challenges involved in expanding the franchise into overseas markets.

### 4. to increase in value

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

to grow in value over a period of time.

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

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

## Examples

- I really appreciate all the help you gave me today.
- The manager sent a handwritten note to show she appreciated the team's hard work during the product launch.
- While many investors focus on short-term dividends, others prefer assets that are likely to appreciate significantly over a decade of steady market growth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.