from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Estimate \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.
[1913 Webster]
It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of
the piece, that men estimate commodities and
exchange them. --Locke.
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It is always very difficult to estimate the age in
which you are living. --J. C.
Shairp.
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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}.
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