appreciation

noun

ap·​pre·​ci·​a·​tion ə-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appreciation (audio)
-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

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 appreciation was reciprocated once Cash heard Dylan’s second record in 1963. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 In the wake of experiencing Xiao Xia 3.0, listeners are left in awe, echoing a sentiment of profound appreciation akin to that sublime celestial phenomenon: The Sunset Radiance Transformed Into Exquisite Grandeur. Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 There is such joy in the music and in the appreciation of it — joy that will be tempered by tanks in the streets, ordered there by a murderous regime. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Jason's 40-minute speech on Monday included grand showings of appreciation for the Eagles organization. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The response — and the Oscar nomination — to their first feature didn’t just put Cartoon Saloon on the map, but earned them a stamp of approval and loud nods of appreciation from their peers in the industry, such as Pete Doctor and John Lassiter. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2024 The cool climate of some of the New Zealand wine regions lend themselves perfectly to Pinot Noir, and in less than 40 years, these wines have gained appreciation and fame. Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Private seating at the course offers locals a front-row seat to the world’s greatest players, with concerts, a military appreciation day, a ladies day and other events staged throughout. Jack Bantock, CNN, 29 Feb. 2024 Netflix’s live action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender has now arrived, and has gotten not-super-great critic reviews, but has found a little more appreciation from viewers. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appreciation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see appreciate

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of appreciation was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near appreciation

Cite this Entry

“Appreciation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appreciation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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