Understanding the Difference Between Appreciable and Appreciative

Understanding the Difference: Appreciable vs. Appreciative

Sometimes, two words can seem very close, but they mean different things. “Appreciable” and “Appreciative” are like that. Let’s learn what makes them different.

History of the Words

Appreciable comes from the Latin word “appretiabilis,” which means “able to be valued.” It means something big enough to be noticed.

Appreciative comes from the same Latin root, but it means “showing that you value something.” It is about feeling thankful.

How to Use Them

• Appreciable – Use this when talking about something you can clearly see or measure.
• Appreciative – Use this when talking about feeling thankful or showing you are thankful.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “appreciable” as something you can “measure” because both have an “e” and “a” close together (measureable and appreciable).

Think of “appreciative” as showing “thanks” because both words have the letter “i” close to the end (thanks and appreciative).

Example Sentences

Using “Appreciable”

1. There was an appreciable change in the weather.
2. Her hard work made an appreciable difference in the project.
3. We saw an appreciable drop in prices.
4. There is an appreciable gap between the two buildings.
5. He lost an appreciable amount of weight.

Using “Appreciative”

1. She gave an appreciative smile.
2. We are appreciative of your help.
3. The students were appreciative of the teacher’s efforts.
4. He wrote an appreciative letter to the donor.
5. The audience was highly appreciative of the performance.

Summary

To sum up, appreciable means something that is big enough to be seen or measured. Appreciative means feeling or showing thanks.

Just remember, “appreciable” is about size or amount you notice, and “appreciative” is about saying thanks!