Esteem

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ɪˈstiːm/

Definitions

  1. High regard or respect for someone or something, often accompanied by admiration for their qualities or achievements
  2. A favorable opinion or admiration for an individual or entity that reflects a sense of respect and honor associated with their attributes or accomplishments
  3. An appreciation or recognition of worth towards a person or thing that typically conveys respect and admiration for their characteristics and successes

Etymology: Emerging in English around the late 14th century, this word originally carried the sense of "to value highly" or "to regard with respect." Its roots trace back through Old French, where "estimer" meant "to estimate or appraise," itself derived from Latin "aestimare," meaning "to value, assess, or appraise." The Latin term likely comes from the root "aestim-" related to "aestimare," which is connected to the concept of valuation or price. In its earliest English usage, it was closely linked to the idea of estimating worth or value, not just in a financial sense but also in terms of personal regard or honor. Over time, this shifted from a more calculated notion of appraisal toward an emotional or social appreciation, emphasizing respect, admiration, and high opinion rather than mere calculation. The word’s journey from the Latin through Old French into English reflects a common medieval pathway for many abstract nouns and verbs related to judgment and valuation. While the Latin "aestimare" had a broad sense encompassing both monetary and qualitative judgment, English settled on the more personal and social meanings. This development shows how economic and social concepts often overlap in language evolution. Interestingly, the pronunciation has remained relatively stable, with the stress consistently placed on the second syllable, adhering to the pattern typical of many words borrowed from French and Latin. The dual function as both noun and verb in English—referring to both the act of valuing and the regard itself—further demonstrates its adaptability and central role in expressing human judgment and affection.

Synonyms: regard, admiration, respect, appreciation, value

Antonyms: disdain, contempt, scorn, disrespect, derision