Words / B2

uh-preesh-ee-AYSHUN/əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃn/

Appreciation is understanding the value of something, or a feeling of thanks: show your appreciation, an appreciation of poetry. Thanks is everyday for gratitude; understanding is closer for the first sense. Appreciate is the verb (I appreciate your help; property can appreciate in value — a different, financial sense). In speech, thank you or I can see the value is enough. Do not use appreciation as a cold synonym for pay rise unless you mean the financial increase.

Meaning

Understanding of the value of something, or a feeling of thanks.

Examples

• “She showed her appreciation with a short note.”
• “A short note of appreciation landed on every volunteer’s desk.”
• “The course built an appreciation of how arguments are structured, not only of facts.”

Good to know

Thanks, or seeing the value. Verb: appreciate. Everyday: thanks / understanding. Also (finance): rise in value.

Near in meaning

gratitude

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