appréciable

Appréciable is a French adjective meaning notable or considerable, and, in some contexts, capable of being valued or appreciated. It is used to qualify nouns whose amount, effect, or importance is large enough to be perceived or to merit attention. For example, une différence appréciable (a noticeable difference) or un coût appréciable (a substantial cost). It can also refer to qualities or efforts that deserve appreciation.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from the verb apprécier (“to value, to estimate”), which itself comes from Old French apprécier and is linked to the idea of assigning value or price. In modern French, appréciable conveys both qualitative and quantitative significance rather than a mere minor amount.

Morphology and forms: In French, appréciable is invariable for gender in form; masculine and feminine singular use appréciable, while the plural adds -s: des gains appréciables, des différences appréciables. The adverbial form is appréciablement, or one may use de manière appréciable to express the idea more explicitly.

See also: apprécier, appréciation, valeur, importance.

Synonyms and antonyms: Synonyms include notable, considérable, sensible, perceptible, précieux; antonyms include insignifiant, négligeable, minime.

Examples in use: « La différence est appréciable. » « Un progrès appréciable. » « Des économies appréciables sur le long terme. »