valued

1. 1
   verb

   Simple past and past participle of value.

   Collectors valued the rare coins for their historical significance.

   The estate had been valued by a professional before the sale went through.

   Note

   One spelling does two jobs here, past tense and past participle, formed regularly by dropping the silent e of value before -ed. The form carries over the verb's two quite different meanings: appraising (the estate had been valued before the sale) and esteeming (collectors valued the coins for their history). Nothing in the form tells them apart, so the surrounding sentence has to show whether worth is being measured or admired.

2. 2
   adjective

   Considered to have worth and held in high esteem.

   He remains a deeply valued advisor to the senior leadership.

   Her honest feedback is valued throughout the company.

   Similaresteemed, respected, prized, treasured, cherished

   Oppositeunappreciated, disregarded, underrated

   Note

   Esteem is the heart of it: a valued colleague is one people think well of. The adjective pairs naturally with degree adverbs such as deeply, greatly, and highly valued, and it sits comfortably before a noun, as in a valued possession. It compares with more and most, never with -er or -est, so you say the most valued member of the team.

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