appreciate

Opinions on appreciate vary widely. Some people, explaining that the word's history has to do with accurate valuation, consider that it should be used only in neutral contexts (I appreciate your position). Others, pointing out that appreciation is admiration or gratitude, counter that it should be used only in favorable contexts (I appreciate your frankness). Still others argue that the object of this verb should always be a noun (I appreciate your annoyance), not a clause (I don't appreciate what you just said). Certainly it is worth remembering the verb's continuing ties to the ideas of valuation and gratitude, and worth remembering, too, that no one objects to recognize, realize, or understand in negative contexts or before clauses.