List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 16

SYNONYMS: appreciate, value, prize, esteem, treasure, cherish.
These verbs mean to have a favorable opinion of someone or something.

Appreciate applies especially when high regard is based on critical assessment, comparison, and judgment: As students far from home, we have learned to appreciate those of life's pleasures that are not readily available in China.
Value implies high regard for the importance or worth of the object: In principle, the modern university values nothing more than the free exchange of ideas.
Prize often suggests pride of possession: the nonchalance prized by teen-agers.
Esteem implies respect of a formal sort: If he had never esteemed my opinion before, he would have thought highly of me then.
Treasure and cherish stress solicitous care for what is considered precious and often suggest affectionate regard: We treasure our freedom. They seek out the Salish Indian woman for the wisdom of her 86 years, and to learn the traditions she cherishes.