Recognizes the value, significance, or quality of something; feels grateful for something. Also means to increase in value over time.
From Latin 'appretiare' meaning 'to set a price to', from 'ad-' (to) + 'pretium' (price). The meaning evolved from literal pricing to recognizing worth, then to feeling gratitude, entering English in the 17th century.
The dual meaning of 'appreciate' - both emotional gratitude and financial increase - reflects how value can be both subjective and objective. This makes it one of the few English words where saying 'I appreciate your gift' and 'your gift will appreciate' both make perfect sense but mean completely different things.
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