Definition: estimate
estimate
n 1: an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth;
"an estimate of what it would cost"; "a rough idea how
long it would take" [syn: estimation, approximation,
idea]
2: a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody; "many
factors are involved in any estimate of human life"; "in
my estimation the boy is innocent" [syn: estimation]
3: a document appraising the value of something (as for
insurance or taxation) [syn: appraisal, estimation]
4: a statement indicating the likely cost of some job; "he got
an estimate from the car repair shop"
5: the respect with which a person is held; "they had a high
estimation of his ability" [syn: estimation]
v 1: form an opinion about; judge tentatively; form an estimate
of, esp. quantities or time; "I estimate this chicken to
weigh at three pounds" [syn: gauge, approximate, guess,
judge]
2: judge to be probable [syn: calculate, reckon, count on,
figure, forecast]
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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. 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.
Estimate \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.
Usage: 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.
