I. ə̇ˈstēm, eˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English steem, extyme, from Middle French estime, from estimer (v.)
1.
a. archaic : worth , value ; also : estimate of value : valuation
b. obsolete : rank , standing
c. archaic : reputation — used with of
d. archaic : opinion , judgment
2.
a. : approval and respect often blended with great liking or fondness because of worthy qualities
an aide rising in his superior's esteem
b. : such approval, respect, or liking held generally : fame , renown
the esteem and prestige which nature attaches to excellence — H.W.Dodds
Synonyms: see regard
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English estemen, estimen, from Middle French estimer, from Latin aestimare, aestumare, probably a denominative from a prehistoric compound whose first constituent is aes copper, bronze, money and whose second constituent is akin to Greek temnein to cut — more at ore , tome
transitive verb
1. obsolete
a. : to form a numerical or quantitative estimate of
b. : to set a value on : estimate the worth of : appraise
2. : to regard as being or hold to be (of a particular character or status) : deem
esteem the enterprise foolish
preserve my friend from what I esteemed a most unhappy connection — Jane Austen
he should have esteemed it cowardly to hint that he was not happy — Compton Mackenzie
officials and diplomats … likewise esteemed this their mighty hour — Harry Hansen
3. : to set a high value on : hold in high regard : respect , prize
esteem riches
two of the most esteemed writers of the twenties — Edward Shils
esteemed for its antiquity, like a superannuated piece of furniture — C.H.Grandgent
society knows what it esteems and what it despises — W.C.Brownell
4.
a. : to hold in regard to a specified degree
intestines, liver, and other organs are greatly esteemed and often eaten — Farley Mowat
should esteem it highly if I might be permitted to place myself during the journey, under that worthy gentleman's protection — Charles Dickens
b. : to form or hold an opinion or judgment of
c. : to be of the opinion : think , believe — used with a clause as object
she esteemed that she knew what life was, and that it was grim — Arnold Bennett
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to form or have a favorable regard
2. obsolete : to form or have a (particular) opinion : regard , think