Legal Definitions - appreciate

Definition: Appreciate means to increase in value (the opposite of depreciate). It may also mean: to understand or recognize the value or significance of something or someone.

Examples:

• My house has appreciated in value since I bought it.
• I appreciate your hard work on this project.
• As I've grown older, I've learned to appreciate the beauty of nature.

The first example illustrates the financial meaning of appreciate, as the value of the house has increased over time. The second example shows appreciation in the sense of recognizing someone's efforts. The third example demonstrates appreciating something in a more abstract sense, such as recognizing the beauty of nature.