inestimable

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Middle French inestimable, from Latin inaestimābilis, from in (un-”, “not) + aestimābilis (estimable). Equivalent to in- + estimable.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɪˈnɛːs.tɪ.mə.bəl/
  • (Received Pronunciation) enPR: ĭnĕsʹtĭməbl, IPA(key): /ɪnˈɛstɪməbl/

Adjective

inestimable (not comparable)

  1. Not able to be estimated; not able to be calculated, computed or comprehended, as because of great scale, degree or magnitude.
    • 1776, United States Declaration of Independence
      He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
    The Voyager spacecraft explored the solar system and continued into the inestimable space beyond.
  2. Venerable, great.
    • 1789, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 15
      On my arrival hither I found a letter from the inestimable Mr. Wythe, by which he informs me that in consequence of a late act of our general assembly he remains the sole judge of the high court of chancery.

Translations

References


French

Etymology

From in- + estimer + -able.

Adjective

inestimable (plural inestimables)

  1. priceless, invaluable; inestimable

Further reading


Spanish

Adjective

inestimable (plural inestimables)

  1. priceless, invaluable

Further reading

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