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estimados

Estimados is the plural masculine form of the adjective estimado, derived from the Latin aestimatus, meaning valued or esteemed. In contemporary Spanish, it has two principal uses: as a polite form of address in formal correspondence, and as an adjective meaning estimated or valued, depending on context. In letters and emails, it is commonly used as a salutation, as in estimados señores or estimadas señoras, signaling respect toward the recipients.

In practical usage, the salutation is typically followed by a colon in formal writing and a greeting

As an adjective, estimado can describe approximate quantities or values. Examples include costo estimado, tiempo estimado,

Etymologically, estimado traces to Latin aestimatus, from aestimare “to value, assess.” In Spanish, its dual meaning—respectful

See also: estimación, estimador, estimar, estimable. In Portuguese and Galician, estimado/estimados appear with similar meanings, though

sentence
after
it.
For
example,
Estimados
señores:
Me
dirijo
a
ustedes
para...
The
choice
of
form
depends
on
the
audience’s
gender
and
number;
estimados
can
address
a
mixed
or
masculine
group,
while
estimadas
would
be
used
for
a
group
of
women.
or
resultados
estimados.
The
gender
and
number
agree
with
the
noun
they
modify:
estimado/estimada/estimados/estimadas.
address
and
approximate/valued
qualifier—is
distinct
but
related
through
the
common
idea
of
estimation
or
regard.
usage
in
greetings
varies
by
language
and
regional
convention.