estimons

Estimons is the first-person plural present indicative form of the French verb estimer, meaning to estimate, value, or regard. It is used to state that a group estimates something, as in nous estimons le coût (we estimate the cost), and can also function in a hortative sense, where the speaker inclusively invites action: Estimons les coûts (let us estimate the costs).

Etymology and form

Estimons derives from Old French estimer, itself from Latin aestimare, meaning to value or judge. The verb estimer belongs to the first-conjugation group in French; its present tense forms include estime, estimes, estime, estimons, estimez, estiment, with estimons corresponding to the nous form. Pronunciation is typically indicated as [e.sti.mɔ̃].

Usage and context

Estimons is common in everyday French when discussing calculations, valuations, or assessments. In business, finance, statistics, and research, it appears in phrases that introduce or report an estimate. The term is often followed by a noun phrase specifying what is being estimated, such as estimons le coût, estimons les risques, or estimons la probabilité. The related noun estimation (estimation) refers to the result of the act of estimating, while estimable is used to describe something that can be valued or appraised.

See also

Estimation, Estimable, Estimer.