Appreciate vs Like swinging a periscope around

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Appreciate

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

Like swinging a periscope around

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: AppreciateMost common: Appreciate
 AppreciateLike swinging a periscope around
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //laɪk ˈswɪŋɪŋ ə ˈpɛrɪskəʊp əˈraʊnd//🇺🇸 //laɪk ˈswɪŋɪŋ ə ˈpɛrɪskoʊp əˈraʊnd//
MeaningTo recognize the value or importance of something.To enjoy moving something from side to side, like a tool used to see above water.
ExampleI really appreciate your help with the project.She was like swinging a periscope around, laughing as she searched for dolphins.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsreally, truly, fully, deeply, genuinely, greatly, fully, totally, easily, fail to, be generally appreciated, be widely appreciatedhave fun, enjoy life, playful action, search for treasures, explore surroundings
Antonymsdisregard, devalue, neglect-
Common mistakesConfused with 'apriciate', a non-existent word., Using 'appreciate' without an object (e.g., 'I appreciate' should be followed by what is appreciated)., Misusing 'appreciate' in negative contexts (e.g., 'I don't appreciate your help' can sound rude).Confused with 'like' as a noun instead of a verb., Misinterpreted the expression as serious instead of playful., Omitting context that makes the meaning clear.
Usage notesThis word is often used in both formal and informal contexts when expressing gratitude or recognizing someone's efforts. It is less commonly used in very casual conversations.Used often in casual conversation; avoid in formal writing. Suggests playful or carefree action.

See it in real clips

Appreciate
Like swinging a periscope around

Frequently asked questions: Appreciate vs Like swinging a periscope around

What's the difference between Appreciate and Like swinging a periscope around?

Appreciate: To recognize the value or importance of something. Like swinging a periscope around: To enjoy moving something from side to side, like a tool used to see above water.

Which is more formal: Appreciate and Like swinging a periscope around?

Appreciate is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Appreciate and Like swinging a periscope around?

Appreciate is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Appreciate: I really appreciate your help with the project. Like swinging a periscope around: She was like swinging a periscope around, laughing as she searched for dolphins.

Can I use Appreciate and Like swinging a periscope around interchangeably?

Not always. Appreciate and Like swinging a periscope around are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

Related comparisons