esteem
[ɛsˈtiːm]
This term conveys a sense of dignified, earned respect that is often tied to a person's character, achievements, or social standing. It carries a formal tone and suggests a stable, long-term evaluation of worth rather than a fleeting feeling of liking. While admiration can be spontaneous or based on superficial traits, this word implies a deeper, more structured judgment of value.
When used as a noun, the word is typically uncountable. You cannot refer to a single esteem or multiple esteems; instead, it is modified by adjectives of degree, such as high or low, to describe the level of respect held for an individual.
Used as a mass noun to describe the general quality of respect, such as having high esteem for a leader.
💬Casual Conversation
My new DAO founder is held in high esteem by the whale community.
My new DAO founder is held in high esteem by the whale community.
Stop capping. He's just a guy with a JPEG.
Stop capping. He's just a guy with a JPEG.
Meanings
Etymology
Derived from the Old French word estime, which originates from the Latin aestimare, meaning to appraise or value. The Latin root is a combination of ad- meaning to and aestimare meaning to estimate or value, reflecting an original sense of assigning a monetary or qualitative worth to an object or person. Over time, the term shifted from a purely financial or evaluative calculation to a psychological state of respect and admiration.