Estimating

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Estimate \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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of
              the piece, that men estimate commodities and
              exchange them.                        --Locke.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              It is always very difficult to estimate the age in
              which you are living.                 --J. C.
                                                    Shairp.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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}.
          [1913 Webster]