el estimado
dear
Es una palabra de cortesía que se usa al principio de una carta o mensaje para saludar a alguien con respeto.
Definition & meaning
The word "estimado" has several nuances depending on the context in which it is used:
- Formal Greeting: It is most commonly used as a formal salutation in letters, emails, or speeches, equivalent to "Dear" in English. For example, "Estimado Señor" translates to "Dear Sir."
- Respected or Valued: It describes someone or something that is held in high regard or is well-liked by others.
- Estimated or Calculated: In technical, financial, or mathematical contexts, it refers to a value, cost, or amount that has been calculated as an approximation rather than an exact figure.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, "estimado" is the past participle of the verb estimar. It functions primarily as an adjective. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: estimada (feminine singular), estimados (masculine plural), and estimadas (feminine plural).
The word originates from the Latin verb aestimare, which means "to value," "to determine the price of," or "to appraise." This root reflects the dual meaning of both emotional valuation (respect) and numerical valuation (calculation).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- apreciado (appreciated/valued)
- respetado (respected)
- querido (dear/loved - though more informal)
- valorado (valued)
- calculado (calculated/estimated)
- aproximado (approximate)
Antonyms
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Examples
Estimado señor García, le envío este mensaje con referencia a nuestra reunión.adjective
Dear Mr. García, I am sending you this message with reference to our meeting.
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