Esteem

Es·teem′ (ĕs·tēm′), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Esteemed; p. pr. & vb. n. Esteeming.] [F. estimer, L. aestimare, aestumare, to value, estimate; perh. akin to Skr. ish to seek, strive, and E. ask. Cf. Aim, Estimate.] 1. To set a value on; to appreciate the worth of; to estimate; to value; to reckon.

Then he forsook God, which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. Deut. xxxii. 15.

Thou shouldst (gentle reader) esteem his censure and authority to be of the more weighty credence. Bp. Gardiner.

Famous men, — whose scientific attainments were esteemed hardly less than supernatural. Hawthorne.

2. To set a high value on; to prize; to regard with reverence, respect, or friendship.

Will he esteem thy riches? Job xxxvi. 19.

You talk kindlier: we esteem you for it. Tennyson.

Syn. — To estimate; appreciate; regard; prize; value; respect; revere. See Appreciate, Estimate.

Es·teem′, v. i. To form an estimate; to have regard to the value; to consider. [Obs.]

We ourselves esteem not of that obedience, or love, or gift, which is of force. Milton.

Es·teem′, n. [Cf. F. estime. See Esteem, v. t.] 1. Estimation; opinion of merit or value; hence, valuation; reckoning; price.

Most dear in the esteem And poor in worth! Shak.

I will deliver you, in ready coin, The full and dear'st esteem of what you crave. J. Webster.

2. High estimation or value; great regard; favorable opinion, founded on supposed worth.

Nor should thy prowess want praise and esteem. Shak.

Syn. — See Estimate, n.