esteem
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.respect and admiration for someone because of their qualities or achievements.
n.favourable regard or respect, often based on the perceived worth or merit of a person.
Simple“The retired teacher was held in high esteem by the whole community.”
In context“The professor is held in high esteem by her colleagues for her groundbreaking research in renewable energy systems.”
UsageCommonly used in the fixed phrase 'to hold someone in high esteem'.
Synonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the way you feel about yourself and your own value.
n.the level of confidence or satisfaction one has in oneself; almost exclusively used in the compound 'self-esteem'.
Simple“Winning the competition gave a big boost to his self-esteem.”
In context“Psychologists suggest that positive reinforcement during childhood is critical for developing healthy self-esteem in later life.”
Synonymsself worthself respectAntonymsself loathing - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to respect or admire someone very much.
v.to regard a person or quality with great respect or reverence.
Simple“She is a colleague whom I greatly esteem for her honesty.”
In context“He was a leader much esteemed by his subordinates, not for his power, but for his unwavering integrity.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
v.to think of someone or something in a certain way.
v.to consider, judge, or regard something as having a particular quality.
Simple“The project was esteemed a success by the board of directors.”
In context“In many traditional cultures, the wisdom of the elderly is esteemed more highly than the technical skills of the young.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice followed by a noun or adjective complement.
“As ever, the problem is overcoming Britain’s forever low esteem for technical education.”
“Plus, as a global bestseller, Murakami’s name carries instant esteem and recognition.”
First at end of 16th century; borrowed from Middle French estimer, borrowed from Latin aestimō. See estimate and aim, an older word, partly a doublet.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.