Literary notes about estimable (AI summary)
In literature, "estimable" serves as a versatile adjective that conveys a sense of admirable merit or worthy character. It is often used to highlight virtuous or respectable qualities in individuals—from the angelic disposition praised in a religious context [1] to the conscientious professionalism of an old doctor [2] and even the moral rectitude of a character in a social or philosophical debate [3]. Authors employ the term to elevate personalities and imbue their narratives with a tone of respect and honor, whether describing a shrewd social observer [4] or an ironically noted beast [5]. This nuanced use allows writers across different eras—from Lewis and Dostoyevsky to Shakespeare and Austen—to evoke a familiar ideal of excellence, while sometimes also hinting at the limitations of such appraisals in broader human behavior [6, 7].
- Her piety unfeigned, her willingness to oblige, and her angelic disposition, rendered her the Darling of all that was estimable in the Convent.
— from The Monk: A Romance by M. G. Lewis - He was a most estimable old man, and the most careful and conscientious doctor in the province.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - But with these more estimable philosophers we have no dispute in this matter.
— from The City of God, Volume I by Bishop of Hippo Saint Augustine - It does not follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.”
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - The estimable beast certainly deserved some consideration.
— from Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - A pound of man's flesh, taken from a man, Is not so estimable, profitable neither, As flesh of muttons, beefs, or goats.
— from The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare - 159 Noble deeds are most estimable when hidden.
— from Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal