appreciate

To feel thankful for something someone does or gives you.

• I appreciate your help.
• We really appreciated their kindness.
• She appreciates you taking the time to listen.

How to use it: appreciate someone doing something (I appreciate you helping me.); would appreciate it if… (I would appreciate it if you replied today.)

Similar words: be grateful for

Common phrases: appreciate your help, appreciate the offer, really appreciate something

To understand how good or valuable something is.

• I appreciate good food.
• She learned to appreciate modern art.
• We stopped to appreciate the beauty of the mountains.

Similar words: value, admire

Common phrases: appreciate good music, appreciate someone’s talent, appreciate the beauty

To fully understand a situation or realize how important, difficult, or serious it is.

• I appreciate the problem.
• He did not appreciate how serious the injury was.
• Do you appreciate that this decision affects everyone?

How to use it: appreciate how… (I appreciate how difficult this is.); appreciate that… (We appreciate that you need more time.)

Similar words: understand, realize, grasp

Common phrases: appreciate the difficulty, appreciate the importance, fully appreciate something

To become worth more money over time.

• The land may appreciate.
• Her investment appreciated over ten years.
• Will the currency appreciate against the dollar?

How to use it: appreciate in value (The house has appreciated in value.)

Similar words: rise in value

Opposites: depreciate

Common phrases: appreciate in value, appreciate over time