Es"ti*mate (?), n.
A valuing or rating by the mind, without actually measuring, weighing, or the like; rough or approximate calculation; as, an estimate of the cost of a building, or of the quantity of water in a pond.
Weigh success in a moral balance, and our whole estimate is
changed.
J. C.
Shairp. Syn. -- 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, etc. 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 thy estimation." Lev. 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." Gogan.
No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart's
Just estimation
prized above all price.
Cowper.
Es"ti*mate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Estimated (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Estimating (?).]
[L. aestimatus, p. p. of
aestimare. See Esteem, v. t.] 1. To judge and
form an opinion of the value of,
from imperfect data, -- either the extrinsic (money), or intrinsic (moral), value; to fix
the worth of roughly or
in a general way; as, to estimate the value of goods or land; to estimate the worth or talents of a person.
It is by the weight of
silver, and not the name
of the piece, that men estimate commodities
and exchange them.
Locke. It is always
very difficult to estimate the age in which you are
living.
J. C. Shairp. 2. To from an opinion of, as to amount,,
number, etc., from imperfect data, comparison, or experience; to make an estimate of; to calculate roughly; to rate; as, to
estimate the cost of a trip, the number of feet in a piece of land.
Syn. --
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,
etc. It usually involves computation or calculation; as, to estimate the loss or gain of an enterprise. Esteem
has reference to the intrinsic or moral worth of a person or thing. Thus, we esteem a man for his kindness, or his uniform integrity. In this sense it
implies a mingled sentiment
of respect and attachment. We esteem it an honor to live in a free country. See Appreciate.
Hear it pronounced