esteem

[ih-steem]

verb (used with object)

1. to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration.

   I esteem him for his honesty.

   Synonyms: respect, revere, honor
   Antonyms: disdain

2. to consider as of a certain value or of a certain type; regard.

   I esteem it worthless.

3. Obsolete.,  to set a value on; appraise.

noun

1. favorable opinion or judgment; respect or regard.

   to hold a person in esteem.

   Synonyms: veneration, reverence, honor, admiration, favor

2. Archaic.,  opinion or judgment; estimation; valuation.

esteem

/ ɪˈstiːm /

verb

1. to have great respect or high regard for

   to esteem a colleague

2. formal,  to judge or consider; deem

   to esteem an idea improper

noun

1. high regard or respect; good opinion

2. archaic,  judgment; opinion

Other Word Forms

• esteemed adjective
• preesteem verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of esteem¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English estemen, from Middle French estimer, from Latin aestimāre “to fix the value of”

Word History and Origins

Origin of esteem¹

C15: from Old French estimer, from Latin aestimāre _estimate

Synonym Study

See respect.

Example Sentences

Moving forward, my emotional labor is to make sure that I remain full — full of creativity, joy, faith, emotional health, esteem, curiosity, rest, courage and the vibrancy of life itself.

From Los Angeles Times

The satirical story's release comes after the esteemed author's most famous novel, The Handmaid's Tale, was removed from some book shelves because of the province's new rules.

From BBC

Simons quickly became a gem in the Catalan giants' esteemed academy after joining aged seven, and was recognised far beyond it.

From BBC

These were people held in high esteem by the political establishment, credited with electing Republican politicians to high office and protecting the nation’s moral character.

From Salon

The esteemed but separate Edinburgh Comedy Awards main prize recognises the best performance and routine overall each year.

From BBC

Related Words

• hold dear www.thesaurus.com
• revere 
• value 
• venerate 

When To Use

What are other ways to say esteem?

If you esteem someone, you hold them in high regard. How is esteem different from appreciate, value, and prize? Find out on Thesaurus.com.