“Appreciate” has several meanings, such as to be grateful for, to recognize the value of, or to increase in value. Here are synonyms for each of these main meanings:
1. When “appreciate” means “to be grateful for”
- Be thankful for:
- Meaning: This phrase emphasizes the feeling of gratitude. For example, “I am thankful for your kind help during my difficult time.” It is a more direct way of expressing the sense of indebtedness and recognition of a favor or kind act, similar to the way “appreciate” is used in this context.
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Be thankful for” might have a more personal and emotional tone. “Appreciate” can sometimes sound a bit more formal, but both convey the basic sentiment of gratitude.
- Be grateful for:
- Meaning: It has a very close meaning to “be thankful for.” For example, “She is grateful for the opportunities she has been given.” The focus is on the positive feeling of appreciation and recognition of something beneficial.
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Be grateful for” is often used interchangeably with “appreciate” when expressing gratitude. However, “appreciate” can also have other meanings related to value recognition and increase, while “be grateful for” is more strictly about the feeling of thankfulness.
2. When “appreciate” means “to recognize the value of”
- Value:
- Meaning: As a verb, “value” means to consider something to be important or of worth. For example, “We should value the wisdom of our elders.” It is about the act of assessing and giving importance to something.
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Value” is more about the objective assessment of worth. “Appreciate” in this context can have a more subjective or in - depth understanding of the value, including an aesthetic or personal appreciation. For example, you can value a diamond for its monetary worth, but you might appreciate a painting for its artistic qualities and the emotions it evokes.
- Esteem:
- Meaning: It means to regard with respect and admiration. For example, “The professor is highly esteemed for his academic achievements.” “Esteem” emphasizes a high regard and respect for the qualities or value of something or someone.
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Esteem” often implies a more formal and perhaps a more elevated sense of respect and recognition of value compared to “appreciate.” “Appreciate” can be a broader term that includes a range of ways of recognizing value, from a simple acknowledgement to a more profound admiration.
3. When “appreciate” means “to increase in value”
- Appraise:
- Meaning: It means to assess the value of something, especially property or goods. For example, “The antique dealer will appraise the value of the old vase.” “Appraise” is more about the process of determining the value, and it's often used in a context where an official or professional evaluation is needed.
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Appraise” is the act of evaluating value, while “appreciate” (in this meaning) is about the actual growth or increase in value. For example, a house can appreciate in value over time, and an appraiser is the one who appraises its value at a given moment.
- Inflate:
- Meaning: In the context of value, “inflate” means to increase the value (usually of prices, assets, etc.) in a way that might not be entirely based on real factors. For example, “Some people try to inflate the value of their stocks through false rumors.”
- Difference from “appreciate”: “Inflate” has a more negative connotation as it often implies an artificial or unjust increase in value. “Appreciate” usually refers to a natural or market - driven increase in value, like a property that appreciates due to location and demand.