esteem
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To respect or admire someone or something highly; to regard favorably.
The favorable opinion or judgement in which one is held; a sense of self-worth.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word often implies a high degree of respect or admiration, sometimes approaching reverence. It is also used as a noun, where it refers to the state of being highly respected (e.g., 'hold in high esteem').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British formal writing.
Connotations
In both, it conveys formal respect and admiration, slightly old-fashioned and lofty.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both varieties, predominantly in formal/academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
esteem + object (e.g., esteem him highly)esteem + object + as + noun (e.g., esteem her as a mentor)be esteemed + by + agent (e.g., esteemed by his peers)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hold someone in high esteem”
- “a mark of esteem”
- “in low esteem”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal evaluations or references (e.g., 'He is esteemed for his integrity in the industry').
Academic
Common in philosophical, psychological, and sociological texts (e.g., 'Kant's work is highly esteemed').
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; found in formal compliments or written tributes.
Technical
In psychology, specifically in 'self-esteem' as a clinical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is highly esteemed by her colleagues for her meticulous research.
- We esteem his judgement in matters of policy.
American English
- He is widely esteemed as a pioneer in the field.
- I esteem your honesty above all else.
adverb
British English
- He spoke esteemingly of his predecessor's work.
- She referred to him esteemingly in her speech.
American English
- They wrote esteemingly about her contributions.
- He was esteemingly described as a visionary.
adjective
British English
- He is an esteemed member of the Royal Society.
- The award was presented by our esteemed guest.
American English
- We welcome our esteemed colleague from the university.
- She received an introduction from the esteemed professor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is a good teacher. We esteem him.
- Many people esteem her for her kindness and hard work.
- The scientist is held in high esteem by the international community for her discoveries.
- His unwavering integrity is what I have always esteemed most, even when his opinions were unpopular.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'esteem' as 'e-STEEM' – to STEEM (support, treasure, elevate, esteem, magnify) someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
ESTEEM IS WEIGHT/VALUE (e.g., 'high esteem', 'hold in esteem').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'оценка' (assessment/grade). The correct translation is 'уважение', 'почитание'.
- 'Self-esteem' is 'самоуважение' or 'чувство собственного достоинства', not 'самооценка' (self-assessment).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a casual synonym for 'like' (e.g., 'I esteem pizza' – incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'esteem' (correct) vs. 'estime' (incorrect).
- Confusing noun and verb forms in sentences (e.g., 'I have a great esteem for him' is less common than 'I hold him in great esteem').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'esteem' used correctly as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is formal and more common in written English, speeches, or formal evaluations. 'Respect' is more common in daily speech.
'Esteem' implies a warmer, more admiring respect, often with an emotional component. 'Respect' can be more neutral and based on recognition of rules, rights, or abilities.
Typically no. The word itself is positive. To express a lack of esteem, you use phrases like 'hold in low esteem' or use antonyms like 'disdain'.
It is most commonly a noun, especially in the phrase 'hold in high esteem'. The verb form is less frequent and more formal.
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B2 · 50 words · Fundamental concepts in human psychology.