Understanding ‘Esteem’: A Key Word for IELTS Success
Learn the meaning, usage, and importance of the word ‘esteem’ for your IELTS preparation. This video covers the word’s definition as both a noun and verb, its etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common usage errors. Improve your vocabulary and express ideas about respect and admiration more precisely in your IELTS tasks.
Imagine walking into a room full of people you admire. How do you feel about yourself in that moment?
That feeling of self-worth is closely related to our word of the day: esteem. This lesson will help you understand and use this important word for your IELTS preparation.
Word type: Esteem can be used as both a noun and a verb. When pronounced, it sounds like uh-steem.
Meaning: As a noun, esteem refers to respect and admiration.
As a verb, it means to respect and admire someone or something. In both cases, esteem involves a positive opinion or judgment.
Word history: The word esteem comes from the Latin word aestimare, which means to value or estimate.
It entered the English language in the sixteenth century and has been an important concept in psychology and social interactions ever since.
Synonyms: Some words with similar meanings to esteem include respect, regard, admiration, and appreciation.
When used as a verb, you might also say value or honor.
Antonyms: On the opposite end, we have words like disrespect, contempt, and disdain.
These words express a lack of esteem or a negative opinion.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at how to use esteem in context.
As a noun: Her colleagues held her in high esteem due to her expertise and professionalism. As a verb: We esteem those who show kindness and compassion to others.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing esteem with self-esteem. While esteem can refer to respect for others or from others, self-esteem specifically relates to one’s own sense of worth.
Another error is using esteem without the correct preposition. We say hold in esteem or hold in high esteem, not simply hold esteem.
Understanding and using the word esteem correctly can help you express ideas about respect and admiration more precisely in your IELTS speaking and writing tasks.
Practice using this word in your own sentences to become more comfortable with it. Remember, building your vocabulary is a gradual process, but each new word you master brings you closer to your goal of a higher band score.
