estimation

estimation, estimate both mean the act of valuing or appraising, but they are rarely interchangeable.

In general, estimation implies the manner or measure in which a person or thing is valued or esteemed

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the degree in which he is held in estimation by scholars cannot be appreciated by the average man

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men's estimation follows us according to the company we keep— Steele

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Often the term comes close to personal opinion or point of view, especially in respect to a thing's value

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in my estimation the article, though interesting, is not in keeping with the policies and purposes of this periodical

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the crown ... in the . . . estimation of law . . . had ever been perfectly irresponsible— Burke

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In general, estimate applies to the result of an appraisal or an evaluation (as of a thing's worth, its cost, its size, or its prospects). It may connote an approximation to the truth that has been reached either by guessing or conjecture or as the outcome of careful consideration, expert knowledge, or profound study

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his estimate of the value of the stolen jewels was $50,000

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the young man has justified the high estimate of his promise expressed some years ago by his teachers

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a scientific estimate of the distance between the earth and Saturn

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economic forecasts are at best mere estimates

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In a technical sense estimate implies the sum for which a piece of work (as the erection or repair of a building) can or will be undertaken.

Analogous words: esteem, *regard, respect: Opinion, view: conjecture, guess, surmise (see under CONJECTURE vb)