What does appreciate mean?
To appreciate something is to recognize its full worth — whether that worth is emotional, practical, or financial. In everyday use, the word most often expresses gratitude: we appreciate a friend's kindness, a colleague's effort, or a moment of unexpected beauty. It can also mean understanding something deeply, as when one appreciates the seriousness of a situation. A third, entirely different sense belongs to economics: assets such as property, stocks, or currency are said to appreciate when they gain value over time. The word carries warm, positive connotations in its personal senses, signalling attentiveness and sincerity rather than mere politeness. Derived from the Latin appretiare, 'to set a price upon,' appreciate literally began life as a term for appraisal before broadening into gratitude and admiration. Its versatility makes it indispensable in both heartfelt thanks and financial commentary.
verbTo recognize the value, quality, or significance of something or someone; to be grateful for. Also, to rise or increase in monetary value over time.
- To recognize and enjoy the good qualities of someone or something; to be grateful for.
- To understand fully; to grasp the significance or implications of a situation.
- (Of an asset or investment) to increase in monetary value over time.
"I really appreciate your help with the move."
"She appreciated the quiet beauty of the landscape as the sun set."
"Investors hope their property will appreciate significantly over the next decade."
When you say 'I appreciate it,' you're literally saying you've set a price on it — the word comes from Latin 'appretiare,' meaning 'to appraise.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appreciate
Appreciate derives from the Latin verb appretiare, meaning 'to appraise' or 'to set a price on,' formed from ad- ('to') plus pretium ('price'). It entered English in the early 17th century, initially carrying the sense of estimating or raising the value of something. Over time the word broadened from literal valuation to figurative appreciation — recognizing worth, feeling gratitude, and understanding significance. Cognates sharing the same Latin root include appraise and the noun price itself.
Related word forms
How appreciate is actually used
Common in both formal and informal registers. In polite English, 'I'd appreciate it if...' is a standard way to make a courteous request. The financial sense (rising in value) is distinct from the emotional sense and appears mainly in economic contexts.
Easily confused with appreciate
Appreciate means to rise in value or to value something highly; depreciate is its opposite, meaning to fall in value or to diminish in worth.