# appreciation

/əˌpɹiʃiˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /ɐpɹˌiːʃɪˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. gratitude

noun · CEFR B1

a feeling of being thankful for something someone has done.

For teachers: the expression of gratitude or a feeling of being thankful.

- The teacher smiled in appreciation when the students gave her a thank-you card.
- The company hosted a formal dinner as a token of appreciation for the staff's tireless efforts during the merger.

### 2. understanding value

noun · CEFR B2

the ability to understand why something is good, beautiful, or important.

For teachers: the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

- Living in the city gave him a new appreciation for the quiet of the countryside.
- The course is designed to foster a deeper appreciation of classical music by exploring the historical context of major compositions.

### 3. increase in value

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

an increase in the price or value of something over time.

For teachers: an increase in the value of an asset over time, often used in financial or real estate contexts.

- The appreciation of house prices in this area has made it hard for young people to buy.
- Investors were pleased with the steady capital appreciation of their portfolio despite the overall volatility of the market.

## Examples

- She showed her appreciation by sending a thank-you note.
- The gallery tour helped the students develop a deeper appreciation for modern sculpture and abstract art.
- While the initial investment was modest, the steady appreciation of the property over two decades significantly bolstered the family's long-term financial security.

---

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.