estimé
The French word for 'esteemed' is estimé.
estimé is used to describe someone who is highly respected and admired. In modern everyday French, it is more frequently used to mean 'valued' or 'appreciated', such as when referring to a valued client. To express that someone is 'respected', French speakers often use respecté instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use estimée if the person is female, and use the plural forms estimés for a group of men or estimées for a group of women.
Did you know?
- While 'esteemed' in English is almost exclusively a compliment, in French administrative language, estimé is often a technical term used to describe a 'calculated' or 'assessed' sum of money.
- The word estimé shares its roots with the English word 'estimate', because both languages trace the concept back to the idea of determining the value or weight of something.
- Using estimé to describe a person in a casual conversation can feel strangely cold, as if you are performing a commercial valuation rather than expressing genuine affection.
Examples in context
- C'est un chercheur très estimé.He is a highly esteemed researcher.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a retired professor at the office.
- GabrielLe professeur est un homme très estimé.The professor is a highly esteemed man.
- EmmaOui, tout le monde l'adore.Yes, everyone loves him.
- GabrielSes conseils sont toujours précieux.His advice is always precious.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il est très respecté.That's true, he is very respected.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estimé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
