appreciate

ap|pre|ci|ate [ ə`priʃi,eıt ] verb **

1. ) transitive never progressive to understand the true nature of a situation, and realize why it is important or serious: REALIZE:

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 President fully appreciates the complexity of the problem.

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

a ) to realize that someone has good qualities and that they are important:

be truly/properly appreciated: Many of the office workers feel that they are not properly appreciated.

3. ) transitive to be grateful for something:

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

Thanks for helping me out, Donna, I really appreciate it.

4. ) intransitive if something appreciates, its value increases gradually

─ opposite DEPRECIATE

I/we etc would appreciate it if... SPOKEN

used for politely asking someone to do something, especially when you are slightly annoyed:

I would appreciate it if you would just let me deal with this.