appreciate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To be grateful for something.

   I really appreciate everything you have done for me.

2. 2
   verb

   To understand fully and be aware of how important something is.

   You don't seem to appreciate how serious this problem is.

3. 3
   verb

   To value or enjoy something because you understand its quality.

   Over time she learned to appreciate good music.

4. 4
   verb

   To increase in value over time.

   My house has appreciated steadily over the last ten years.

Common collocations

• appreciate art Verb + noun
• appreciate beauty Verb + noun

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.

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