Esteemed

/ɪˈstiːmd/ adjective, verb

Definition

Highly respected and valued by others; or to regard someone with great respect and admiration.

Etymology

From Old French 'estimer' and Latin 'aestimare' (to value or assess). Originally meant simply 'to calculate a value' but evolved to mean 'to judge as worthy of respect.'

Kelly Says

In formal letters, people still write 'Dear Esteemed Sir or Madam'—it's hilariously old-fashioned because we don't actually talk that way anymore, but it signals ultimate respect!

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