appreciativeadj.
/əˈpriːʃ(ɪ)ətɪv/, /əˈpriːsɪətɪv/, U.S. /əˈpriʃ(i)ədɪv/, /əˈprɪʃ(i)ədɪv/, /əˈpriʃ(i)əˌtɪv/, /əˈprɪʃ(i)əˌtɪv/ 1. Characterized by or involving estimation, esp. of a positive nature; (also) having understanding or awareness, esp. of subtleties or complexities.
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the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > [adjective]
regardant1581
regardful1582
conceited1589
considerate1592
appreciative1593
opinionated1630
appreciating1662
appreciatory1819
1593 [implied in: A. Willet Tetrastylon Papisticum iii. 144 Our sorrow..is the greatest appretiatiuely, or in estimation, when as wee sorrow not for a thing, as much as wee can: yet wee had rather loose other things, than loose that. (at appreciatively adv.)].
1615 J. Wadsworth Contrition of Protestant Preacher x. 94 If he haue this estimatiue or appreciatiue sorowe in the reasonable parte of his will, althoughe it breake not out into the sensible parte, I say it is sufficient.
1642 A. Grosse Sweet & Soule-perswading Inducements xxi. 419 They have..no appretiative knowledge, they know not God as the rich man knowes his jewell, esteeming it farre above all his straw and common lumber in his house.
a1699 J. Fraser Memoirs (1738) vii. 239 Tho' in my sensitive Faculty I find not these Impressions of Joy and Fear, yet do I find them in my estimative appretiative Faculty.
1709 tr. J. K. Denhoff Let. to Pastors & Confessors xv. 51 The Sinner by this appretiative Charity, is to Love God above all those Things, which have made or may make him guilty of Mortal Sin.
1731 N. N. tr. J. Gracián Burning Lamp ii. 36 That appretiative Prayer by which the Soul contemplates God, as an Infinite Immensity, and Infinite Bounty and Wisdom.
1843 Daily National Intelligencer (Washington) 6 Oct. Lady Fanny is not a fool, but a quick and appreciative woman.
1879 Church in Cassell's Techn. Educator I. 247/1 The eye has become less appreciative of red, and more appreciative of the other colours.
1902 T. B. Aldrich Sea Turn iv. 212 A nondescript elderly person..who seemed in no especial manner afflicted by what had occurred, but was appreciative of his own accidental importance.
1943 H. Read Politics of Unpolitical xii. 134 Developing the creative and appreciative exercise of the aesthetic impulse in the child.
2011 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 5 Feb. (Sports section) 12 The defeat by Hearts was a disappointment... We're all appreciative of the fact that there's a long, long way to go.
2. Showing recognition of worth or excellence; expressing approval or gratitude.
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1652 J. Hall Let. Mar. in G. Kendall Sancti Sanciti (1654) *4v I..had desired my Sonne to impart unto you my appreciative thoughts concerning it.
1840 Leicester Chron. 24 Oct. The present generation is the first since Cromwell lived, likely to study his life with anything like a genial, appreciative, and kindred spirit.
1867 C. Dickens Let. 1 Dec. (1999) XI. 496 A very quiet audience..appreciative but not demonstrative.
1909 Daily Chron. 17 Mar. 9/4 It is not merely good manners to be grateful and know how to express it; it is good policy. If you are not appreciative by nature, assume it in the interest of your reputation.
1936 Stage June 64/3 No one on the set is readier..to cheer with an appreciative word the weary extra.
1968 S. Hill Gentleman & Ladies i. 14 He got up..to help her to her seat. ‘Lovely’, she said, appreciative of his firm grip.
2008 Contemp. Sociol. 37 460/1 It will find a wide and appreciative audience among all readers interested in American life and culture.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2013; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adj.1593