Unappreciative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unappreciative
[หสnษหpriหสiษtษชv ]
Definition
in relationships
Not showing or feeling gratitude or thankfulness; lacking appreciation for something or someone.
Synonyms
ingrate, unacknowledging, ungrateful, unthankful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unappreciative |
Use this term when someone does not show any appreciation or gratitude, even if they benefit from someone else's effort or generosity. It usually does not carry a strong negative connotation.
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| ungrateful |
Unthankful and unappreciative both closely describe this word. However, 'ungrateful' specifically points to a lack of gratitude for what one has received and often has a negative connotation.
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| unthankful |
This term is straightforward and directly describes someone who does not express thanks. It is often used in more personal or emotional contexts and has a somewhat negative tone.
|
| ingrate |
This word carries a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe a person who is not grateful, often implying a lack of basic decency or consideration.
|
| unacknowledging |
This term is useful when you want to describe someone who does not recognize or give credit to others for their efforts. It is often used in professional or academic settings.
|
Examples of usage
- She was unappreciative of all the hard work he had put into planning the surprise party.
- His unappreciative attitude towards her efforts made her feel unvalued.
- I find it difficult to be around unappreciative people who never acknowledge your kindness.
- The boss was disappointed with the unappreciative behavior of some employees.
- Being unappreciative can strain relationships and create resentment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research indicates that feelings of gratitude positively impact mental health, while unappreciativeness can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and depression.
- People displaying unappreciative behavior often struggle with empathy, making it difficult to recognize the efforts of others.
- Encouraging gratitude has been shown to improve relationships, highlighting the importance of appreciation in social dynamics.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures place varying importance on expressing gratitude, with some societies emphasizing communal appreciation more than individual expression.
- In many Eastern cultures, there is a strong emphasis on reciprocity, and unappreciativeness can lead to social disapproval.
- In Western cultures, while individualism is celebrated, unappreciative behavior can strain personal and professional relationships.
Literature
- Many classic novels portray characters as unappreciative, often leading to their downfall or hardships, illustrating the moral that gratitude is essential for happiness.
- Shakespeare frequently explored themes of appreciation and ingratitude in his plays, such as 'King Lear', where lack of appreciation leads to tragic consequences.
- Contemporary poetry often reflects on the nuances of gratitude, suggesting that being unappreciative can hinder personal growth and connection.
Social Behavior
- Unappreciative attitudes can often arise in workplaces, where employees feel undervalued, impacting morale and productivity.
- Understanding the impact of verbal and non-verbal cues can help people become more aware of unappreciative behaviors in themselves and others.
- Efforts to foster a culture of appreciation in groups and organizations can mitigate the effects of unappreciative behaviors and improve collaboration.
Origin of 'unappreciative'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'appreciative', derived from Latin 'appretiare', which means to value or estimate.
- The use of 'unappreciative' as an English term can be traced back to the 19th century, reflecting human interactions and values.
- Understanding its origin helps to grasp how the concept of gratitude has varied throughout different cultures and eras.
The word 'unappreciative' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to the word 'appreciative'. The base word 'appreciative' comes from the verb 'appreciate', which originated in the late 16th century from the Latin 'appretiatus', past participle of 'appretiare', meaning 'to set a price on'. Over time, 'appreciate' evolved to mean 'to recognize the full worth of something'. The addition of the prefix 'un-' changes the meaning to indicate a lack of recognition or gratitude.
See also: appreciate, appreciated, appreciating, appreciation, appreciative, appreciatively, appreciator, overappreciated, unappreciated, underappreciate, underappreciated.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #35,177, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.