estimar

The Spanish word "estimar" is a verb that primarily means "to estimate" or "to esteem/value," with the exact meaning depending on the context.

Meanings:

1. To estimate / to approximate:

   • This is used when making an educated guess about quantities, time, cost, or any kind of measurement. It means to calculate or judge an approximate value.
   • Example: "Podemos estimar el costo del proyecto en dos mil dólares." — "We can estimate the project's cost at two thousand dollars."

2. To esteem / to value / to respect / to regard:

   • Used in a more emotional or subjective sense, meaning to hold someone in high regard or to be fond of someone or something.
   • Example: "Siempre he estimado mucho a mi abuelo." — "I have always esteemed/valued my grandfather highly."

Components:

• Estimar comes from Latin aestimare, meaning “to value” or “to appraise.”

Synonyms:

• For the meaning "to estimate":
  • calcular (to calculate), aproximar (to approximate), valorar (to value or assess).
• For the meaning "to esteem":
  • apreciar (to appreciate), querer (to love), respetar (to respect), valorizar (to value).

Antonyms:

• For "to estimate"
  • There isn't a direct opposite, but ignorar (to ignore) or desconocer (to be unaware) can implicit deny estimation.
• For "to esteem"
  • menospreciar (to undervalue or to despise), despreciar (to scorn or despise), desestimar (to dismiss or reject).

---

Summary:
"Estimar" is a versatile verb in Spanish that can either refer to making an approximate calculation or to showing appreciation and respect toward someone or something. The context clarifies which meaning is intended.