Definition of: esteem

(es·tēm′) noun
1. Favorable opinion or estimation on the basis of worth, especially that based on moral characteristics; respect; regard.
2. Character that commands respect or consideration; estimableness: a person of esteem.
3. Obs. Estimation or judgment of merit or demerit; opinion; estimation. [<v.]
—v.t.
1. To value highly; regard as having worth or excellence.
2. To think to be; deem; consider: to esteem one fortunate. [<F estimer <L aestimare value] Synonyms (noun): estimate, estimation, favor, regard, respect. Esteem for a person is a favorable opinion on the basis of worth, especially of moral worth, joined with a feeling of interest in and attraction toward the person. Regard for a person is the mental view or feeling that springs from a sense of his excellence, with a cordial and hearty friendliness. Regard is more personal and less distant than esteem, and adds a special kindliness; respect is a more distant word than esteem. Respect may be wholly on one side, while regard is commonly mutual; respect in the fullest sense is given to what is lofty, worthy, and honorable, or to a person of such qualities; but we may pay respect to station or office, regardless of the person holding it. Estimate has more of calculation; as, My estimate of the man, or of his abilities, is very high. Estimation involves the idea of appraisal, and is especially used of the feeling entertained by numbers of people; as, He stood high in public estimation. Compare ESTEEM verb, ATTACHMENT, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, REGARD. Antonyms: abhorrence, antipathy, aversion, contempt, dislike, hatred, loathing, repugnance. Synonyms (verb): appreciate, calculate, consider, deem, estimate, hold, prize, regard, think, value. Esteem and estimate alike imply to set a certain mental value upon, but esteem is less precise and mercantile than calculate or estimate. We esteem a jewel precious; we estimate it to be worth so much money. In popular usage esteem, as said of persons, denotes a union of respect and kindly feeling and, in the highest sense, of moral approbation; as, one whom I highly esteem. To appreciate anything is to be deeply or keenly sensible of or sensitive to its qualities or influence; as, to appreciate beauty or harmony; to appreciate one's services. To prize is to set a high value on for something more than merely commercial reasons. To regard (F regarder look at, observe) is to have a certain mental view favorable or unfavorable; as, I regard him as a friend; or, I regard him as a villain; regard has a distinctively favorable sense as applied to institutions, proprieties, duties, etc., but does not share the use of the noun regard as applied to persons; we regard the Sabbath; we regard a person's feelings; we have a regard for the person. See ADMIRE, APPRECIATE, LIKE. Compare ESTEEM noun. Antonyms: see synonyms for ABHOR.