appreciativeness
|ap-pre-ci-a-tive-ness|
/əˌpriːʃəˈtɪvnəs/
tendency or capacity to appreciate; gratitude
Etymology
'appreciativeness' originates from Late Latin, specifically the verb 'appretiare' (formed from Latin elements 'ad-' + 'pretium'), where 'ad-' (later assimilated to 'ap-') meant 'toward' and 'pretium' meant 'price' or 'value'.
'appreciativeness' changed through Old French and Middle English forms: Late Latin 'appretiare' -> Old French 'aprecier' (to value) -> Middle English 'appreciaten'/'appreciate' -> adjective 'appreciative' -> modern English noun 'appreciativeness'.
Initially it meant 'to estimate the price or value of something'; over time it evolved into 'to recognize or value (qualities)' and into the emotional sense 'to feel gratitude', and the modern noun denotes 'the quality of being appreciative' (gratitude or capacity to appreciate).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being appreciative; readiness to feel or show gratitude; gratefulness.
Her appreciativeness toward the small favors from colleagues improved the office atmosphere.
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Noun 2
the ability or tendency to recognize and value the worth, quality, or subtleties of something (sensitivity of appreciation).
His appreciativeness of classical music deepened after years of study.
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Last updated: 2025/09/26 20:42