appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən 

-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

Synonyms

• account
• admiration
• esteem
• estimation
• favor
• regard
• respect

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

The ability to convey gratitude and appreciation in just a few words can resonate — proving that brevity can be just as powerful as eloquence. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

That means handing out praise liberally and finding ways to show your appreciation for them and make their day a little brighter. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025

In Latin America, there has been a wider appreciation of Prieto’s achievement. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025

Any questions about his appreciation for football were answered a few months later, when Andrew Luck came aboard as the program’s general manager with a reporting line directly to Levin, according to sources — an indication of Muir’s diminished influence. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing appreciation

• in appreciation of

Rhymes for appreciation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration