Väärtustatud

Väärtustatud is a Estonian term formed from the verb väärtustada, meaning to value, appreciate, or assess. As an adjective or past participle, it describes someone or something that is valued, esteemed, or recognized for its contributions or qualities. It is commonly used to express positive regard or acknowledgment by others, such as a person, work, or action being valued.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from the noun väärtus (value, worth) with the verbal suffix -ustada and the participial ending -datud. In everyday language it can function attributively (väärtustatud isik, valued person) or predicatively with a form of olema (on väärtustatud, has been valued, is valued). It is often used in formal contexts such as workplaces, awards, and media, but is also common in social conversation.

Examples:

- Töötaja väärtustab oma panuse. (The employee values his contribution.)

- Ettevõte väärtustab oma töötajate tööpanust. (The company values its employees’ contributions.)

- Ta on meeskonnas väga väärtustatud inimene. (He is a highly valued person in the team.)

Related terms and nuances: Väärtustatud is sometimes equated with hinnatud (valued, esteemed) or austatud (honored), but with subtle differences. Hinnatud emphasizes judgment or appraisal, while austatud stresses formal honor. Väärtustatud tends to denote overall appreciation or recognition of worth, rather than only price or formal honor. In contexts of culture and ethics, it can signify that someone or something is acknowledged as having intrinsic value.