esteem

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈstiːm/^[1]

Etymology

It is inherited from Middle English estemen, borrowed from Middle French estimer (“to estimate, value”),^{[2][3][4][5][6]} from Latin aestimō (“to value, appraise”), of unknown origin;^[2][3][5] Etymonline mentions a guess that it meant one who cuts copper, which de Vaan finds hardly credible.^[3] It is a doublet of aim and estimate.^[2][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

The noun, account or worth: before 1338, as steem, in Mannyng's Chronicle.^[2][3] The verb, to estimate the value of: before 1410.^[2]

Semantic evolution

The verb was at first used as estimate is now;^[3][6] the sense to value or respect is first recorded in 1530, in Palsgrave.^[2][7][3] To consider or deem is from the 16th century.^[4] The noun's sense of high regard is first recorded in 1611, in the preface to the King James Bible.^[2][7][3] Estimable is from the 16th century.^[4]

Timeline

• before 1338 – steem, worth (noun).^[2]
• before 1410 – to estimate (verb).^[2]
• 1530 – to value, respect.^[2][7]
• 1588 – an opinion.^[7]
• 1611 – high regard.^[2][7]

Modern meaning

Verb

1. To have great respect or regard for: to esteem a colleague.
2. (formal) To consider or deem.

Noun

1. High regard; respect.
2. (archaic) Judgement; opinion.

Word family

• disesteem
• estimable
• misesteem
• self-esteem

Related words

• estimate
• aim

References

1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
3. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c d Hoad, T. F., ed. (1986), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Oxford: Clarendon Press
5. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
6. ^ a b Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
7. ^ a b c d e Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press