appreciation

[ uh-pree-shee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. gratitude; thankful recognition:

   They showed their appreciation by giving him a gold watch.

2. the act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value.
3. clear perception or recognition, especially of aesthetic quality:

   a course in art appreciation.

4. an increase or rise in the value of property, goods, etc.
5. critical notice; evaluation; opinion, as of a situation, person, etc.
6. a critique or written evaluation, especially when favorable.

appreciation

/ -sɪ-; əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. thanks or gratitude
2. assessment of the true worth or value of persons or things
3. perceptive recognition of qualities, as in art
4. an increase in value, as of goods or property
5. a written review of a book, etc, esp when favourable

Other Words From

• ap·preci·ation·al adjective
• nonap·preci·ation noun
• over·ap·preci·ation noun
• self-ap·preci·ation noun
• super·ap·preci·ation noun
• unap·preci·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of appreciation¹

First recorded in 1600–10; earlier appretiation, from French appréciation, from Late Latin appretiātiō “appraisal, valuation”; equivalent to appreciate + -ion

Example Sentences

In 1952, as L.A. celebrated it 171st year, the bird of paradise was designated the official city flower by Mayor Fletcher Bowron, a Republican with a nasty appreciation for internment camps who would lose a bid for reelection that same year.

From Los Angeles Times

Bhaghani holds an appreciation for the kickers who have come before him at UCLA, recalling Fairbairn’s school record from memory.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers’ Teacher Appreciation Day event here in L.A. is a lovely gesture.

From Los Angeles Times

“Let me also express my tremendous appreciation for Susie ... on the job you did,” Trump said.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, Trump hired her in 2021 to oversee his comeback and gained an appreciation for her even-handed professionalism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admiration
• affection
• awareness
• commendation
• enjoyment
• esteem
• knowledge
• love
• perception
• realization
• recognition
• respect
• sensitivity
• sympathy
• understanding