appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-ˌpri-,
 also  -ˌprē-sē-
1
a
: a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude
I want to express my appreciation for all you've done.
a small token of our appreciation
b
: judgment, evaluation
especially : a favorable critical estimate
c
: sensitive awareness
especially : recognition of aesthetic values
a class in music appreciation
2
: increase in value

Examples of appreciation in a Sentence

You've been so generous, and I'd like to show my appreciation by cooking a meal for you. She's shown little appreciation for the effort you've made. I'm not sure you have an appreciation of the complexity of the situation. I've gained an appreciation for the skills involved in the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Serving as missionaries in the South American country gave them both a special appreciation for their faith, according to Turley. Michael Loria, USA Today, 12 May 2025 These strategic investments can lead to higher rental rates and property appreciation, directly benefiting the investor's bottom line.​ • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing and mitigating risks associated with the property and market fluctuations is a critical function. Jesse Sasomsup, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025 Managing assets for routine distributions emphasizes an area less critical for long-term investors only seeking capital appreciation with indefinite holding periods: income. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 12 May 2025 One is an artistic mastermind with striking vampiric looks who has used his intimate appreciation of avant-garde composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen to elevate a popular art form to the realm of greatness—and the other fronts a band called the Bad Seeds. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for appreciation

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of appreciation was in 1605

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on appreciation

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