\Es"ti*mate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Estimated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Estimating}.] [L. aestimatus, p. p. of aestimare. See
{Esteem}, v. t.]
1. To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from
   imperfect data, -- either the extrinsic (money), or
   intrinsic (moral), value; to fix the worth of roughly or
   in a general way; as, to estimate the value of goods or
   land; to estimate the worth or talents of a person.
         It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of
         the piece, that men estimate commodities and
         exchange them.                        --Locke.
         It is always very difficult to estimate the age in
         which you are living.                 --J. C.
                                               Shairp.
2. To from an opinion of, as to amount,, number, etc., from
   imperfect data, comparison, or experience; to make an
   estimate of; to calculate roughly; to rate; as, to
   estimate the cost of a trip, the number of feet in a piece
   of land.
Syn: To appreciate; value; appraise; prize; rate; esteem;
     count; calculate; number. -- To {Estimate}, {Esteem}.
     Both these words imply an exercise of the judgment.
     Estimate has reference especially to the external
     relations of things, such as amount, magnitude,
     importance, etc. It usually involves computation or
     calculation; as, to estimate the loss or gain of an
     enterprise. Esteem has reference to the intrinsic or
     moral worth of a person or thing. Thus, we esteem a man
     for his kindness, or his uniform integrity. In this
     sense it implies a mingled sentiment of respect and
     attachment. We esteem it an honor to live in a free
     country. See {Appreciate}.

\Es"ti*mate\, n.
A valuing or rating by the mind, without actually measuring,
weighing, or the like; rough or approximate calculation; as,
an estimate of the cost of a building, or of the quantity of
water in a pond.
      Weigh success in a moral balance, and our whole
      estimate is changed.                     --J. C.
                                               Shairp.
Syn: {Estimate}, {Estimation}, {Esteem}.
Usage: The noun estimate, like its verb, supposes chiefly an
       exercise of judgment in determining the amount,
       importance, or magnitude of things, with their other
       exterior relations; as, an estimate of expenses
       incurred; a true estimate of life, etc. Esteem is a
       moral sentiment made up of respect and attachment, --
       the valuation of a person as possessing useful
       qualities or real worth. Thus we speak of the esteem
       of the wise and good as a thing greatly to be desired.
       Estimation seems to waver between the two. In our
       version of the Scriptures it is used simply for
       estimate; as, ``If he be poorer than thy estimation.''
       --Lev. xxvii. 8. In other cases, it verges toward
       esteem; as, ``I know him to be of worth and worthy
       estimation.'' --Shak. It will probably settle down at
       last on this latter sense. ``Esteem is the value we
       place upon some degree of worth. It is higher than
       simple approbation, which is a decision of judgment.
       It is the commencement of affection.'' --Gogan.
             No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart's Just
             estimation prized above all price. --Cowper.