ap|pre´ci|a´tor

ap|pre|ci|ate «uh PREE shee ayt», verb, -at|ed, -at|ing.

–v.t.

1. to be thankful for: »

We appreciate your help.

2. to think highly of; recognize the worth or quality of; value; enjoy: »

Almost everybody appreciates good food.

SYNONYM(S): esteem, prize. See syn. under value. (Cf. ↑value)

3. to be aware of; be sensitive to; recognize; discern: »

Do you fully appreciate the risk you are taking? He is a trained musician who can appreciate even very small differences in sounds.

4. to have an opinion of the value, worth, or quality of; estimate: »

Most people can appreciate the importance of exercise for good health. Einstein's knowledge is so specialized I cannot begin to appreciate it.

SYNONYM(S): appraise.

5. to raise in value: »

New buildings usually appreciate land.

–v.i.

to rise in value: »

This land will appreciate greatly as soon as good roads are built. Collections of rare books, paintings and stamps are examples of property that has appreciated in value over the postwar years (Wall Street Journal).

╂[< Latin appretiāre (with English -ate¹) < ad- + pretium price. See etym. of doublet apprise². (Cf. ↑apprise)]

–ap|pre´ci|at´ing|ly, adverb.

–ap|pre´ci|a´tor, noun.