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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Estimate

Ĕs'ti-māte, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. ESTIMATED; p. pr. & vb. n. ESTIMATING.] [Lat. æstimare, æstimatum. See ESTEEM.] To judge and form an opinion of the value of, without actually measuring or weighing; to fix the worth of; to compute or rate; as, to estimate the value of goods or land; to estimate the worth or talents of a person; to estimate profit or loss.

It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them. Locke.

Synonyms—To appreciate; value; appraise; prize; rate; esteem; count; calculate; number.—To ESTIMATE, ESTEEM. Both these words imply an exercise of the judgment. Estimate has reference especially to the external relations of things, such as amount, magnitude, importance, &c. It usually involves computation or calculation; as, to estimate the loss or gain of an enterprise. Esteem has reference to the true character or standing of a thing, to its intrinsic value or merits. Thus, we esteem it an honor to be inhabitants of a free country. When thus applied to things, it nearly coincides with consider, differing from the latter only as implying that we value the thing in question. When applied to persons, esteem is used in a moral sense, and implies a mingled sentiment of respect and attachment. Thus, we esteem a man for his uniform integrity; we esteem a lawyer for his candor and fairness; we esteem a magistrate for his devotion to the public good. See APPRECIATE.

Ěs'ti-mate, n.

noun

(45), n. [Lat. æstimatum, from æstimare. See supra.] A value determined by judgment; particularly, an approximate judgment or opinion as to weight, magnitude, cost, and the like; a calculation without measuring or weighing.

Synonyms— ESTIMATE, ESTIMATION, ESTEEM. The noun estimate, like its verb, supposes chiefly an exercise of judgment in determining the amount, importance, or magnitude of things, with their other exterior relations; as, an estimate of expenses incurred, a true estimate of life, &c. Esteem is a moral sentiment made up of respect and attachment, — the valuation of a person as possessing useful qualities or real worth. Thus we speak of the esteem of the wise and good as a thing greatly to be desired. Estimation seems to waver between the two. In our version of the Scriptures it is used simply for estimate; as, “If he be poorer than by estimation.” Levit. xxvii. 8. In other cases, it verges toward esteem; as, “I know him to be of worth and worthy estimation.” Shak. It will probably settle down at last on this latter sense. “Esteem is the value we place upon some degree of worth. It is higher than simple approbation, which is a decision of judgment. It is the commencement of affection.” Cogan.

*No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart's Just estimation prized above all price.* Cowper.