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appreciate

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verb British English pronunciation: appreciate /əˈpriːʃiˌeɪt/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyappreciate
he/she/itappreciates
present participleappreciating
past tenseappreciated
past participleappreciated
  1. 1
    [transitive] [never progressive] to understand the true nature of a situation, and realize why it is important or serious

    I began to appreciate the difficulties my father had faced.

    appreciate how/why/what etc:

    Doctors are only now beginning to appreciate how dangerous this drug can be.

    appreciate that:

    We appreciate that you cannot make a decision immediately.

    fully appreciate:

    I don't believe the Prime Minister fully appreciates the complexity of the problem.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of appreciate
  2. 2
    [transitive] [never progressive] to recognize the good or special qualities of a person, place, or thing

    She feels that her family doesn't really appreciate her.

    a restaurant that is popular with people who appreciate good service and fine wines

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of appreciate
    1. a.
      to realize that someone has good qualities and that they are important
      be truly/properly appreciated:

      Many of the junior staff feel they are not properly appreciated.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of appreciate
  3. 3
    [transitive] to be grateful for something

    I appreciate this opportunity to put my point of view to the committee.

    I really appreciate all your help.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of appreciate

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This is the British English definition of appreciate. View American English definition of appreciate.

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