Appreciate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈpɹiː.ʃi.eɪt/

Definitions

  1. To recognize the value or quality of something, or to be grateful for it
  2. To acknowledge the worth or importance of something | To feel thankful for a beneficial experience or action | To increase in value or significance over time
  3. To recognize and understand the significance of something | To express gratitude for a positive aspect of life | To experience a rise in worth or quality over a period of time

Etymology: The verb emerged in English around the late 16th century, originally carrying the sense of "to increase in value." This financial meaning is still present today, especially in contexts like investments or property. The concept behind the word was quite literal at first: something that appreciates gains worth over time, becoming more valuable. Its roots trace back to the Latin verb "appretiare," meaning "to set a price to" or "to value," which itself comes from "pretium," the Latin word for "price." The prefix "ad-" (meaning "to" or "toward") merges with "pretium" to form a term that essentially means "to put a price on" or "to value something." From this practical beginning related to pricing and worth, the word gradually broadened in English usage. By the 17th century, the sense of valuing something extended beyond mere monetary worth to include recognizing the quality or importance of people, actions, or things. This shift helped give rise to the more familiar modern meaning: to recognize and be grateful for something’s positive qualities. The transition from concrete valuation to a more abstract recognition of value marks a common pathway in language evolution, where economic language spills over into emotional or intellectual realms. The pronunciation has remained relatively stable, with the stress on the second syllable and a soft "sh" sound in the middle, reflecting its Latinate origin. Over time, the term has become a staple in both everyday and formal language, used to express gratitude and acknowledgment as much as it denotes financial gain.

Synonyms: value, cherish, esteem

Antonyms: disregard, despise, devalue