ap·pre·ci·ate 
/əˈpri:ʃiˌeɪt/ verb
ap·pre·ci·ates; ap·pre·ci·at·ed; ap·pre·ci·at·ing /əˈpri:ʃiˌeɪt/ verb 1 [+ obj] : to understand the worth or importance of (something or someone) : to admire and value (something or someone)
▪ The company strives to make its employees feel appreciated. ▪ Living in the city has taught me to appreciate the differences between people. ▪ Those who appreciate fine wine will enjoy reading the restaurant's wine list. 2 [+ obj] a : to be grateful for (something)
▪ I really appreciated the information you gave me. ▪ I don't appreciate being ignored. [=I do not like to be ignored] ▪ Your help the other day was greatly appreciated.
b — used to make a polite request ▪ I would appreciate it if you would tell your father to call me. [=please tell your father to call me] 3 [+ obj] : to be aware of (something) : to recognize or understand (something)
▪ I'm not sure you appreciate [=understand] how crucial it is that we find these documents. ▪ The tiny creature contributes to its ecosystem in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate. ▪ I don't think you appreciate the complexity of the situation. ▪ I appreciate what the artist is trying to do, but I think the painting fails to do it. 4 [no obj] : to increase in value
▪ Given the history of the company, your investment should appreciate (in value) over time. ▪ rapidly appreciating assets — opposite depreciate
▪ The company strives to make its employees feel appreciated. ▪ Living in the city has taught me to appreciate the differences between people. ▪ Those who appreciate fine wine will enjoy reading the restaurant's wine list.
▪ I really appreciated the information you gave me. ▪ I don't appreciate being ignored. [=I do not like to be ignored] ▪ Your help the other day was greatly appreciated.
b — used to make a polite request ▪ I would appreciate it if you would tell your father to call me. [=please tell your father to call me]
▪ I'm not sure you appreciate [=understand] how crucial it is that we find these documents. ▪ The tiny creature contributes to its ecosystem in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate. ▪ I don't think you appreciate the complexity of the situation. ▪ I appreciate what the artist is trying to do, but I think the painting fails to do it.
▪ Given the history of the company, your investment should appreciate (in value) over time. ▪ rapidly appreciating assets — opposite depreciate
— ap·pre·cia·tive /əˈpri:ʃətɪv/ adjective [more appreciative; most appreciative]
▪ I'm very appreciative of your efforts on my behalf. [=I'm very grateful for your efforts] ▪ She gave an appreciative nod. [=a nod that showed that she appreciated something]
/əˈpri:ʃətɪv/ adjective [more appreciative; most appreciative] ▪ I'm very appreciative of your efforts on my behalf. [=I'm very grateful for your efforts] ▪ She gave an appreciative nod. [=a nod that showed that she appreciated something]
— ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adverb
▪ She listened to the story, nodding appreciatively.
▪ She listened to the story, nodding appreciatively.
synonyms appreciate, value, prize, treasure, and cherish mean to feel that something is important and worth treating with special care. appreciate often suggests knowledge that makes it possible to enjoy or admire how excellent something is.
▪ Over the years, I've come to appreciate fine wine. value suggests that a thing is worth a lot simply because of what it is. ▪ I value our friendship so much. prize is used when you are very proud of something you have or own. ▪ Despite the time and money it demands, he prizes that sailboat. treasure suggests that you enjoy having or owning something and are careful about keeping it in good condition. ▪ You'll treasure these pictures. cherish describes a very strong love and desire to care for something or someone. ▪ She cherishes her children above all.
▪ Over the years, I've come to appreciate fine wine. value suggests that a thing is worth a lot simply because of what it is. ▪ I value our friendship so much. prize is used when you are very proud of something you have or own. ▪ Despite the time and money it demands, he prizes that sailboat. treasure suggests that you enjoy having or owning something and are careful about keeping it in good condition. ▪ You'll treasure these pictures. cherish describes a very strong love and desire to care for something or someone. ▪ She cherishes her children above all.
