appreciation

The feeling of being thankful for what someone has done.

• Thank you for showing your appreciation.
• We sent flowers in appreciation of her help.
• He expressed his appreciation for their patience.

How to use it: appreciation for something (She expressed her appreciation for our support.); in appreciation of something (They gave him a watch in appreciation of his service.)

Similar words: gratitude, thanks

Opposites: ingratitude

Common phrases: show appreciation, in appreciation, appreciation for something

The ability to understand why something is valuable, interesting, or beautiful.

• She has an appreciation of good music.
• Travel gave him a deeper appreciation of other cultures.
• The course helped develop my appreciation of poetry.

How to use it: appreciation of something (The visit gave us an appreciation of local art.)

Similar words: understanding

Common phrases: appreciation of art, music appreciation, deep appreciation

Recognition that someone's work, qualities, or achievements deserve respect and praise.

• Her work deserves greater appreciation.
• The award showed our appreciation of his achievements.
• Their skill received little appreciation from the audience.

How to use it: appreciation of something (The prize reflects our appreciation of her contribution.)

Similar words: recognition, esteem, respect

Common phrases: appreciation of something, token of appreciation, public appreciation

A clear and accurate understanding of a situation and its importance.

• She has a full appreciation of the risks.
• The report shows little appreciation of our difficulties.
• Experience gave him a realistic appreciation of the problem.

How to use it: appreciation of something (We need a better appreciation of the situation.)

Similar words: understanding, awareness

Common phrases: full appreciation, appreciation of something

An increase in the price or financial value of something.

• The house showed steady appreciation.
• Currency appreciation made our exports more expensive.
• Investors expect further appreciation in the value of land.

How to use it: appreciation in value (The investment has shown little appreciation in value.); appreciation against something (The yen showed appreciation against the dollar.)

Similar words: increase in value

Opposites: depreciation

Common phrases: capital appreciation, currency appreciation, appreciation in value