Esteem Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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esteem

[ɪˈstiːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

self-respect

Esteem is a noun meaning respect and admiration for a person. It is the regard in which one is held by others. Esteem can also refer to a favorable opinion or judgment. It is often associated with feelings of worthiness and value.

Synonyms

admiration, favorable opinion, regard, respect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
esteem	Esteem is used to express a high level of respect or admiration for someone, often due to their achievements, character, or abilities. She is held in high esteem by her colleagues for her hard work and dedication He has always spoken with great esteem for his mentors
respect	Respect is used to show a feeling of deep admiration for someone due to their abilities, qualities, or achievements. It is often used in personal, professional, or social contexts. She commands a great deal of respect among her peers Respecting others' opinions is a crucial part of effective communication
admiration	Admiration is used to express a positive feeling of wonder or approval, often for someone's qualities, actions, or achievements. He looked at the artwork with great admiration Her courage and resilience earned the admiration of everyone present
regard	Regard is often used in formal or serious contexts to show respect or consideration for someone or something. It can also be used neutrally. He spoke of her with great regard, praising her dedication to her work In regard to your question, I believe we should consider all possibilities
favorable opinion	A favorable opinion refers to a positive view or judgment about someone or something, often based on knowledge or experience. The new employee quickly gained a favorable opinion from the management She expressed a favorable opinion about the new policy changes

Examples of usage

He was held in high esteem by his colleagues.
She had a great deal of self-esteem and confidence.
The teacher's esteem for her students was evident in the way she encouraged them.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

admiration

As a verb, to esteem means to regard highly or think of with respect and admiration. It involves holding someone or something in high regard and valuing them or it.

Synonyms

admire, regard, respect, value.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
esteem	Esteem is a high level of respect and admiration, often used in formal settings or to describe feelings toward someone of great importance or influence. She is held in high esteem by her colleagues. The community showed great esteem for the mayor's efforts.
admire	Admire expresses a warm and often affectionate appreciation for someone's qualities, achievements, or appearance. It's more personal and emotional. I admire his dedication to his work. Many people admire her for her bravery.
respect	Respect is a fundamental level of high consideration for someone due to their abilities, qualities, or achievements. It is universally positive but can be used in various formal or informal contexts. He has earned the respect of his peers. They treated him with the utmost respect.
value	Value indicates appreciating someone or something for their worth, usefulness, or importance. It can be used in both personal and professional settings to signify importance and appreciation. We value your feedback on the project. She feels valued at her workplace.
regard	Regard can refer to holding someone or something in a particular view or consideration, often in a judgmental or evaluative context. It's less about emotions and more about an objective stance. She is regarded as an expert in her field. They have high regard for his opinion.

Examples of usage

I esteem her for her generosity and kindness.
He esteemed the old traditions that had been passed down through generations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

High self-esteem is linked to better mental health, as it helps individuals cope with stress and challenges.
The concept of 'self-esteem' was popularized by psychologist William James, who believed that our self-regard is crucial for personal development.
Healthy esteem can lead to improved relationships, while low esteem can affect one’s sense of worth and motivation.

Pop Culture

In popular media, characters who struggle with self-esteem often go through transformative journeys, showing how self-worth impacts their lives.
Songs frequently explore themes of esteem, like 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten, which empowers listeners to believe in themselves.
Many motivational speakers and authors write extensively about the importance of self-esteem for success in life.

Literature

Esteem often appears as a key theme in classic novels, where characters must learn to value themselves to find happiness.
In Shakespeare's works, characters grapple with issues of reputation and self-worth, highlighting the societal pressures of esteem.
Self-esteem is prominently discussed in modern self-help books, advocating for personal growth and self-acceptance.

Culture

Different cultures interpret esteem in unique ways, placing value on various traits such as humility, strength, or talents.
In collectivist societies, esteem can often be tied to family honor or community reputation rather than individual success.
Cultural beliefs about self-esteem influence educational practices, with some cultures promoting a balance between humility and self-worth.

Origin of 'esteem'

Main points about word origin

The word 'esteem' comes from the Latin 'aestimare', which means 'to appraise' or 'to value'.
In the 14th century, 'esteem' referred primarily to the valuation of things, later shifting to feelings about people.
The prefix 'es-' in 'esteem' indicates an intensity of feeling, emphasizing a stronger regard for someone.

The word 'esteem' originated from the Latin word 'aestimare' which means 'to value' or 'to estimate'. Through Old French and Middle English, the word evolved to its current usage. Throughout history, esteem has been a concept closely tied to notions of honor, respect, and worth.

See also: esteemed, esteeming, estimable.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,564 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5561 preceded
5562 neighbourhood
5563 performances
5564 esteem
5565 launch
5566 drum
5567 deciding
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