esteem - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
esteem Word Meanings
- a favorable opinion of someone's worth
- to regard highly or favorably
esteem Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
esteem Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪˈstiːm/
US
/ɪˈstim/
esteem Word Etymology
Root decomposition: (ex- + stem). Historical origin: Latin 'aestimare' → Old French 'estimer' → English 'esteem'. Memory image: Picture holding a trophy that symbolizes appreciation and respect, which embodies the essence of 'esteem'.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Esteem is a formal noun for a favorable opinion of someone’s worth, often based on character or achievements; it can also be a verb meaning to regard highly. You might say you hold someone in high esteem or that a person has earned the esteem of others through honesty and service. Self-esteem refers to how you value yourself. Esteem differs from affection or liking, and from estimation; it connotes moral or professional respect rather than mere sentiment. In everyday writing you’ll see phrases like high esteem, be esteemed, or in high esteem in formal contexts, while casual speech prefers respect or admiration. Learners often confuse esteem with estimate due to spelling similarity.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) esteem is about respect, not just liking; 2) beware of the similar word estimate; 3) self-esteem = how you value yourself; 4) fixed collocations: in high esteem, held in esteem, esteemed by; 5) formality level: prefer distant or literary tone in some contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking esteem for estimate due to spelling similarity
- Thinking esteem only refers to personal affection, not respect
- Confusing self-esteem with esteem for others
- Using esteem in casual speech where respect or admiration would suffice
- Forgetting fixed collocations like 'in high esteem' or 'be esteemed by'
Thinking Differences
Esteem is relatively formal in English, often reserved for respect earned through virtue or achievement; learners may overuse it in casual speech and confuse it with like or admire, or mistake it for estimate because of spelling.
Learning Tips
- Practice with fixed collocations: in high esteem, held in esteem, esteemed by
- Compare esteem with respect, admire, and love to choose the right nuance
- Pronounce with stress on the second syllable: es-TEEM
- Use self-esteem to talk about personal confidence
- Remember the noun and verb forms share meaning but different syntax
- Read formal texts to see when esteem fits naturally
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'esteem'?
A.A type of plant
B.An action to ignore someone
C.A feeling of respect and admiration for someone or something
D.A method of cooking
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'esteem' correctly?
A.She has a low esteem for her abilities.
B.His esteem for the teacher was evident in his words.
C.They held her esteem because of her mistakes.
D.I esteem to finish my homework before dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'esteem'?
A.Disdain
B.Admiration
C.Scorn
D.Neglect
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'esteem'?
A.Regard
B.Disdain
C.Honor
D.Respect
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might feel esteem?
A.People looked down on her hard work.
B.The teacher often discouraged her students.
C.He felt great pride when receiving the award for community service.
D.Many ignored his contributions during the project.
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