estimen

Estimen is a verb form in the Catalan language. It is the third-person plural present indicative of estimar, and it translates to “they estimate” or “they value/esteem” in English. The meaning is determined by context, covering both numerical estimation and valuing someone or something.

Etymology and sense: estimar comes from Latin aestimare, via the Vulgar Latin and Old Catalan lineage. In Catalan, estimar encompasses both the idea of calculating an approximate value (to estimate) and the sense of valuing or respecting someone (to esteem). The form estimen specifically marks plural subjects performing the action in the present time.

Usage and grammar: Estimen is used when the subject is a plural noun or pronoun and the action occurs in the current tense. For example, “Les autoritats estimen que el projecte costarà 3 milions d’euros” means “The authorities estimate that the project will cost 3 million euros.” Another example: “Els estudiants estimen la importància de la recerca” translates to “The students value the importance of research.” Distinctions from similar-sounding forms, such as estan (they are), rely on context and spelling.

Related terms: The verb is part of a verb family that includes estimar (to estimate or to value), estimació (estimation or valuation), and estimador (estimator or valuator). In Catalan, these forms are commonly used across formal and informal registers.

See also: Catalan language, Estimar, Estimació, Valuació.