estimada

Estimada is the feminine singular form of the Spanish adjective estimado, derived from the verb estimar, meaning to value, assess, or determine an approximate quantity. It agrees in gender and number with feminine singular nouns. In practice, it is used to describe something that has been estimated, as in la cantidad estimada (the estimated quantity) or el costo estimado (the estimated cost). The masculine form is estimado, and the plural forms are estimados (masculine or mixed) and estimadas (feminine).

Estimada also appears as a form of polite address in formal correspondence. When addressing a woman or a group of women, you may begin a letter with Estimada señora García, or Estimadas señoras. For mixed or male recipients, the masculine form or the gender-neutral estimados is used, e.g., Estimados colegas. In modern usage, the salutation often follows style guides that prefer gender-appropriate forms.

Etymology and related terms: estimada comes from Latin aestimatus, aestimare, meaning to value, regard, or estimate. Related terms include estimación (the act or result of estimating), estimador (estimator), and estimable (worthy of esteem). In everyday language, phrases such as tiempo estimado (estimated time) or valor estimado (estimated value) are common.