estimar
Lemma Details
Translation: to estimate; to value; to appreciate; to consider; to regard; to love
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to value, appraise, estimate'. This shares the same Latin root as the English words 'estimate', 'esteem', and 'estimation'. The semantic range in Spanish is broader than in English, encompassing both calculation (estimate) and emotional value (appreciate, love).
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estimo que el proyecto costará unos mil euros.
I estimate that the project will cost about a thousand euros.
Te estimo mucho por tu honestidad.
I value you greatly for your honesty.
Estimado señor, le escribo para informarle...
Dear sir, I am writing to inform you...
Los padres deben estimar a sus hijos.
Parents should love their children.
Mnemonics
- Think of holding someone in 'esteem' to remember the meaning of appreciation or love.
- Remember that 'estimate' and 'estimar' share the same root, but Spanish extends the meaning to emotional valuation.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish correspondence, 'Estimado/a' is a common formal salutation equivalent to 'Dear' in English. The verb also carries more emotional weight in certain contexts than its English cognate 'estimate', as it can mean to love or cherish someone.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'estimar' means to estimate or value, 'estipular' means to stipulate or specify conditions.
This word:
Estimo que necesitaremos tres días para terminar.
I estimate that we'll need three days to finish.
Confused word:
El contrato estipula que el pago debe hacerse en 30 días.
The contract stipulates that payment must be made within 30 days.
Notes: Both are formal verbs often used in business contexts, but with different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Estimar' has an 'm' like 'measure' (to estimate); 'estipular' has a 'p' like 'precise' (to specify).
Explanation: 'Estimar' means to value or estimate, while 'estimular' means to stimulate or encourage.
Notes: The extra syllable in 'estimular' changes the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: 'Estimular' contains 'stimul-' like the English 'stimulate'.