'appreciation' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'appretiare', where 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'pretium' meant 'price, value'.

'appreciation' changed from Latin/Old French forms (Late Latin 'appretiare' -> Old French 'aprecier') and entered Middle English (e.g. 'apprecien', 'appreciacioun') before becoming modern English 'appreciation'.

Initially, it meant 'to set a price on or evaluate (something)', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'recognizing value', 'expressing gratitude', and 'increase in monetary value'.