Key Difference – Gratitude vs Appreciation
Gratitude and appreciation are two words that are interrelated although there is a slight difference between these two words. Gratitude and appreciation are considered as positive qualities in a person that allows him to maintain a positive outlook to life. First let us have a look at the meanings of these words. Gratitude is when we are grateful for something or someone. On the other hand, appreciation is when a person is able to notice the good in someone or even a gesture. This highlights that the key difference between gratitude and appreciation is that while Gratitude is being thankful, appreciation is seeing the good. Through this article let us examine the difference in detail.
What is Gratitude?
First let us begin with the word gratitude. This is a noun used to express feelings of thankfulness that an individual feels towards another person, situation, or even an object. Psychologists believe that being grateful or else being thankful creates positivity in the person as it pushes the individual to be happy. A person who is thankful for his life, his position or situation in life, is more likely to be happy than a person who is not.
Let us comprehend the meaning through an example. Imagine a person who is thankful for his family and friends for always believing in him and helping him. Such a person is believed to be grateful because he fosters feelings of thankfulness in him.
Here are some sentences that highlight the usage of the word ‘gratitude.’
We wanted to express our gratitude for his tremendous service.
The gratitude that she felt for the family overwhelmed her.
Gratitude is a true virtue.
Notice how the word has been used in each sentence in the form of a noun. Grateful is the adjective of gratitude.
What is Appreciation?
Appreciation is when an individual is able to see the positive aspects of another. Appreciating others is considered a good quality as it assists us to respond to the good in others. Whether we are at home or in an office appreciation helps us to connect with others. For an example, even if an employee makes mistakes when performing a specific task, the manager can appreciate the effort of the employee. This act can be viewed as seeing the positive qualities of the individual.
Appreciation allows us to recognize and value qualities and actions of people. Some believe that this, in turn, makes us grateful as well. Here are some examples for the usage of appreciation.
The manager appreciated the efforts of the team.
He received a letter of appreciation.
Appreciation of even the smallest things in life can make it more beautiful.
As you can see, the word appreciation can not only be used as a noun, but also as a verb as well. Appreciative is the adjective of appreciation.
Learn to appreciate the beauty of nature
What is the difference between Gratitude and Appreciation?
Definition:
Gratitude is when we are grateful for something or someone.
Appreciation is when a person is able to notice the good in someone.
Positivity:
Gratitude allows us to be thankful.
Appreciation allows us to see the good in people, actions, etc.
Adjective:
Grateful is the adjective of gratitude.
Appreciative is the adjective of appreciation.
Image Courtesy:
1. Thank you! By Moeez (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Heart-spring-flowers-natural – West Virginia – ForestWander By ForestWander [CC BY-SA 3.0 us], via Wikimedia Commons
