Appreciate vs Respect
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Appreciate
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Respect
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
| Appreciate | Respect | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/ |
| Meaning | To recognize the value or importance of something. | To treat someone well and value their feelings. |
| Example | I really appreciate your help with the project. | It's important to show respect to your elders. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | really, truly, fully, deeply, genuinely, greatly, fully, totally, easily, fail to, be generally appreciated, be widely appreciated | considerable, deep, enormous, feel, have, hold somebody in, respect for, great, utmost, little, accord somebody/something, pay (somebody/something), show (somebody/something), out of respect, with respect, a lack of respect, a mark of respect, a sign of respect, certain, different, crucial, differ in, be alike in, be identical in, in… respect, in respect of, with respect to, in all, many, some, several, etc. respects, in every respect, in this respect |
| Antonyms | disregard, devalue, neglect | disrespect, contempt, scorn |
| Common mistakes | Confused 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). | Using 'respect' as a verb without an object, e.g., 'I respect' instead of 'I respect him.', Confusing 'respect' with 'regard' in phrases., Mispronouncing 'respect' by not emphasizing the second syllable. |
| Usage notes | This 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. | Use 'respect' in both formal and informal settings. It's appropriate for professional situations, personal relationships, and discussions about values. Avoid using it in sarcastic or derogatory contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Appreciate vs Respect
What's the difference between Appreciate and Respect?
Appreciate: To recognize the value or importance of something. Respect: To treat someone well and value their feelings.
Are Appreciate and Respect the same CEFR level?
Appreciate: B1, Respect: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Appreciate and Respect?
Appreciate: verb, Respect: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Appreciate: I really appreciate your help with the project. Respect: It's important to show respect to your elders.
Can I use Appreciate and Respect interchangeably?
Not always. Appreciate and Respect 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.