This is the 2283rd most frequent Catalan word.
estimada
"Estimada" means "beloved" or "dear" in English.
Here, 'estimada' is used as an adjective meaning 'dear' to show affection for a female friend.
L'estimada amiga m'ha escrit una carta bonica.
The dear friend wrote me a beautiful letter.
In this sentence, 'estimada' is a past participle used as an adjective meaning 'loved' and it describes the affection the readers have for the novel.
La novel·la estimada per molts lectors serà adaptada al cinema.
The novel loved by many readers will be adapted to film.
Here, 'estimada' is used in formal written communication as a salutation meaning 'dear' in addressing someone directly.