noun
Common
esteem
ih-STEEM
Esteem (noun) means Respect and admiration for someone or something. Example: “The teacher earned the esteem of every student in the class.”
noun
1
Respect and admiration for someone or something.
"The teacher earned the esteem of every student in the class."
"He holds a great deal of esteem for people who work hard."
"The retiring judge was held in high esteem by her colleagues."
verb
1
To regard someone or something highly; to value greatly.
"Villagers esteem their doctor for her kindness and patience."
"Honest workers are esteemed in any good company."
"He esteemed his mentor's advice above anyone else's."
How to use esteem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRespect or high regard for someone, or the act of holding them in high regard.
Common pairings
high esteem
held in esteem
self-esteem
esteemed colleague
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Word forms
- Plural
- esteems
- Third person singular
- esteems
- Past tense
- esteemed
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The teacher earned the _____ of every student in the class.
Etymology
From Old French estimer, from Latin aestimare, "to value or assess" — the same root behind "estimate."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for esteem
See all rhymes for esteem →Frequently asked questions
What does “esteem” mean?
The word “esteem” means respect and admiration for someone or something. In plain terms, respect or high regard for someone, or the act of holding them in high regard.
How do you pronounce “esteem”?
“Esteem” is pronounced ih-STEEM (/ɪˈstiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “esteem” in a sentence?
Here is “esteem” used in a sentence: “The retiring judge was held in high esteem by her colleagues.”
What part of speech is “esteem”?
Depending on how it is used, “esteem” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “esteem” come from?
The word “esteem” comes from Latin. From Old French estimer, from Latin aestimare, "to value or assess" — the same root behind "estimate.".
Is “esteem” a common word?
“Esteem” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “esteem” have?
“Esteem” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: respect and admiration for someone or something.
What is the difference between 'esteem' and 'respect'?
Both involve regarding someone positively, but 'esteem' carries a stronger sense of admiration and high valuation. 'Respect' can also simply mean acknowledging someone's rights, status, or worth without deep admiration.
What is the difference between 'esteem' and 'self-esteem'?
'Esteem' is the respect and admiration felt towards another person or thing. 'Self-esteem' refers specifically to the regard and confidence a person has in their own worth.
Is 'esteem' a formal or informal word?
'Esteem' is fairly formal and is more common in writing and respectful or ceremonial contexts than in everyday casual speech. It often appears in set phrases such as 'held in high esteem'.
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