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
 AppreciateRespect
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpriːʃieɪt/","/əˈpriːʃieɪts/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/","/əˈpriːʃieɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/
MeaningTo recognize the value or importance of something.To treat someone well and value their feelings.
ExampleI really appreciate your help with the project.It's important to show respect to your elders.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB1B1
Part of speechverbnoun
Collocationsreally, truly, fully, deeply, genuinely, greatly, fully, totally, easily, fail to, be generally appreciated, be widely appreciatedconsiderable, 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
Antonymsdisregard, devalue, neglectdisrespect, contempt, scorn
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).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 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.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.

See it in real clips

Appreciate
Respect

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.

Related comparisons