What does 'esteem' signify when talking about opinions of others?

When discussing the concept of 'esteem' in relation to the opinions of others, it signifies a sense of high regard and respect for those opinions. When individuals have esteem for someone else’s thoughts or perspectives, they hold those views in a positive light and believe they are valuable or worthy of consideration. This respect implies an acknowledgment of the other person’s expertise, insight, or experiences, leading to a favorable attitude towards their ideas.

The term is fundamentally rooted in the idea of valuing others' contributions, which can foster positive interactions and relationships. Therefore, esteeming others' opinions can encourage open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, as people are more likely to share and explore ideas when they feel respected.

In contrast, the other choices reflect negative attitudes toward opinions. Disregarding thoughts indicates a lack of concern for what another person believes, questioning intentions suggests suspicion or doubt, and openly criticizing reflects a harsh judgment rather than any sense of respect or regard. These options highlight behaviors that are counterproductive to positive interpersonal relationships and do not align with the meaning of esteem.