esteemed friend

USAGE SUMMARY

"esteemed friend" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to show respect and admiration for a friend. Example: "I have known my esteemed friend, John, for many years now and I must say, his kindness and generosity have never faltered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I regret to say that my esteemed friend, Capt.

The New York Times

"My esteemed friend Senor Labastida," Mr. Fox said.

The New York Times

Mr. Rivette discovered Balzac late in life, despite the urgings of an esteemed friend and colleague.

The New York Times

The 1963 East Club mourns the passing of our esteemed friend, Martin Albert.

The New York Times

With tears and sadness we mark the passing of our esteemed friend.

The New York Times

We honor his memory as a brilliant leader and industrialist, esteemed friend and devoted family man.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Yeshiva University expresses sorrow on the passing of Blanche Scharf, beloved mother of our esteemed friends and Benefactors, Michael (and Fiona) Scharf.

The New York Times

Barbara and Bob Murray Bruce and Hilary Murray Vicki and Rick Birdoff MODELL--William D. With profound sorrow, the LeFrak Family mourns the passing of one of our dearest and most esteemed friends.

The New York Times

On the occasion of this important anniversary, alumni, faculty, current students and esteemed friends of the program will gather for a conference devoted to the problem of revolutions in antiquity.

University of California, Berkeley

Respectfully dedicated to my esteemed friends Mr. and Mrs. Benj.

Johns Hopkins University

Our esteemed friends at Giz found this to be a train wreck but I don't agree.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "esteemed friend" when you want to convey a sense of deep respect and admiration for someone. It is particularly effective in formal settings, such as speeches, eulogies, or written correspondence.

Common error

Avoid using "esteemed friend" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if not used appropriately. Opt for simpler terms like "good friend" or "dear friend" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "esteemed friend" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier. The adjective "esteemed" serves to attribute a high level of respect and admiration to the noun "friend". As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "esteemed friend" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey deep respect and admiration. As Ludwig confirms, it's appropriate for formal contexts, as highlighted by its frequent appearance in news media, business communications, and academic circles. While "esteemed friend" is a "very common" expression, it's crucial to reserve it for settings that warrant such formality, avoiding overuse in casual situations. Alternatives such as "respected colleague" or "dear friend" may be more suitable in less formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close confidant

Focuses on the trust and intimacy within the friendship.

longtime companion

Highlights the duration and history of the friendship.

valued companion

Emphasizes the importance of the friend in one's life.

cherished acquaintance

Highlights the fond feelings and appreciation for the person.

intimate buddy

Highlights familiarity and warmth. A more informal option.

respected colleague

Highlights professional admiration in addition to friendship.

esteemed associate

More formal, suitable for business or professional relationships.

dear comrade

Implies a shared struggle or purpose, often used in a more formal or historical context.

admired ally

Emphasizes support and partnership between the individuals.

venerated peer

Expresses a high degree of respect and admiration, often in professional settings.

FAQs

How can I use "esteemed friend" in a sentence?

You can use "esteemed friend" to introduce or refer to someone you deeply respect and admire, as in "It is an honor to introduce my esteemed friend, Dr. Smith."

What is the difference between "esteemed friend" and "close friend"?

"Esteemed friend" conveys a higher level of respect and formality, while "close friend" emphasizes intimacy and emotional connection. Choose "close friend" for personal contexts and "esteemed friend" for more formal or professional settings.

Are there situations where "esteemed friend" might sound insincere?

Yes, using "esteemed friend" sarcastically or in contexts where genuine respect is lacking can make it sound insincere. Ensure your tone and the situation align with the phrase's formality.

What can I say instead of "esteemed friend" to convey respect without sounding too formal?

You can use phrases like "respected colleague", "valued companion", or "dear friend" depending on the specific relationship and context.