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.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /i.nɛs.ti.mabl/

Adjective

inestimable (plural inestimables)

  1. priceless, invaluable; inestimable

Further reading

Spanish

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /inestiˈmable/ [i.nes.t̪iˈma.β̞le]
  • Rhymes: -able
  • Syllabification: i‧nes‧ti‧ma‧ble

Adjective

inestimable m or f (masculine and feminine plural inestimables)

  1. priceless, invaluable

Further reading

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