Esteemed – Definition and Part of Speech
Esteemed is primarily used as an adjective or past participle of the verb to esteem. As an adjective, it describes someone or something that commands respect or admiration due to notable qualities or achievements. It conveys a sense of high regard or honor.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revered | Implies deep respect often associated with religious or historical significance. | “The revered leader was celebrated for his wisdom.” | Formal/Respectful |
| Respected | Suggests general admiration based on competence and integrity, without the emotional depth of ‘revered’. | “She is a respected scientist known for her groundbreaking research.” | Business/Professional |
| Honored | Implies recognition or celebration; can also imply being the recipient of honors or awards. | “The honored guest delivered an inspiring speech at the conference.” | Formal/Institutional |
| Venerated | Carries connotations of deep admiration and respect, often over a long period or through tradition. | “Ancient philosophers are venerated for their timeless insights.” | Academic/Scholarly |
| Admired | Focuses more on personal qualities that elicit esteem; often used in social contexts. | “She is admired for her kindness and generosity by all who know her.” | Casual/Everyday |
Usage Notes
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Revered: Best suited for formal or traditional settings where respect is deep-rooted, such as historical narratives or religious contexts.
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Respected: Commonly used in professional and academic environments to describe individuals recognized for their abilities or contributions without an emotional overlay.
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Honored: Often appears in contexts involving awards, ceremonies, or formal recognition. It conveys a sense of being bestowed with respect officially.
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Venerated: Appropriate for scholarly writing where long-standing admiration is being described, such as historical analysis or discussions about cultural figures.
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Admired: Versatile and appropriate for both casual conversation and more thoughtful reflections on personal qualities that are likable or commendable.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing “Esteemed” with “Estimate”: While phonetically similar, esteem (to hold in high regard) is quite different from estimate (to assess or calculate), which can lead to confusion in writing.
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Overuse in Casual Contexts: Terms like esteemed, venerated, and revered may sound overly formal for casual conversation, so it’s important to consider the context when choosing among these synonyms.
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Distinguishing Levels of Respect: Differentiating between terms that imply varying levels or types of respect (e.g., revered vs. respected) is crucial, as they can significantly alter the perceived tone and meaning in a sentence.
Final Recap
The word esteemed and its synonyms—revered, respected, honored, venerated, and admired—are all used to express admiration or respect. However, each carries unique nuances that can affect their appropriateness depending on the context:
- Revered and Venerated are more formal, often used in contexts with historical or cultural significance.
- Respected is versatile and suitable for professional settings.
- Honored implies an official recognition or celebration.
- Admired suits both informal discussions of personal qualities.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, consider the context in which you’re communicating and practice using these synonyms to convey the precise level of respect intended. Writing sentences with each synonym or incorporating them into conversation can help reinforce their meanings and appropriate usage.