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appreciate

ap·pre·ci·ate [ ə prshee àyt ] (past and past participle ap·pre·ci·at·ed, present participle ap·pre·ci·at·ing, 3rd person present singular ap·pre·ci·ates)


verb 
Definition:
 
1. transitive verb value somebody or something highly: to recognize and like the qualities in somebody or something
I don't feel appreciated.

2. transitive verb understand something: to understand fully the meaning or significance of a situation
I hadn't appreciated how upset he felt.

3. transitive verb feel gratitude: to feel grateful for something
I'd appreciate it if you didn't repeat this to anyone.

4. transitive verb acknowledge something: to accept something as valid
We appreciate that these people have rights as well.

5. intransitive verb gain in value: to increase in value, especially over time

[Mid-17th century. < late Latin appretiare "value, estimate, rate, appraise" < pretium "money spent, worth, value"]

Word Usage

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.

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