adjective

appreciable

uh-PREE-shuh-bul/əˈpriːʃəbl/

Large enough to be noticed or matter.

The saplings show an appreciable increase in size as they grow.

Two saplings before and after growth, clearly noticeable increase in size.

Etymology

apLatinto

+preciLatinprice, worth

+ableLatincapable of being

The price root and capability ending originally described something that could be judged or estimated. In the selected sense, an amount or effect is substantial enough to register in such a judgment—to be noticeable or significant.

In context

Dwarkesh Patel99:17

We now have some early modern humans who are far enough back in time that appreciable change may have occurred.

David Reich — How one small tribe conquered the world 70,000 years ago

More examples

There is no appreciable difference between the two brands.
Buying used furniture saves us an appreciable amount of money.
Regular practice brings appreciable improvement in her playing.

Forms

appreciable · more appreciable · most appreciable

appreciably adverb — To a noticeable or significant degree.

Similar words

noticeable: Emphasizes being readily observed rather than substantial in amount.
perceptible: Can describe something barely detectable, even if unimportant.
significant: Emphasizes importance or consequence more than simple detectability.