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.
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.
