Appreciate
/əˈpriːʃieɪt/
Appreciate means either to recognize the value or importance of something, or to increase in worth over time.
Examples
- Homes in that area appreciate quickly.
- The car did not appreciate as expected.
- They will appreciate the effort you put in.
- We hope the artwork will appreciate in value.
- He had appreciated the art long before it became famous.
Meanings
Derived from Latin ad- (to) + pretium (price, value), forming appretiāre, which evolved into Old French aprecier and then Middle English aprecien. Over time, it shifted from a financial valuation to a broader sense of recognition and gratitude.
Examples
- I really appreciate your help with the project.
- She appreciated the thoughtful gift.
- They will appreciate the effort you put in.
- He had appreciated the art long before it became famous.
- We are appreciating this moment together.
The financial sense emerged in the 17th century, directly from the earlier meaning of 'to set a value on'. As markets developed, the word naturally extended to describe the rise in value of assets.
Examples
- Homes in that area appreciate quickly.
- The stock has appreciated by 20% this year.
- Gold tends to appreciate during economic crises.
- The car did not appreciate as expected.
- We hope the artwork will appreciate in value.