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estimate
/ˈɛstɪmeɪt/
approximate calculation or judgment
The contractor estimated the project would take three months.
An approximate calculation of time was provided.
general
to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, or extent of something
She estimated the cost of the groceries before heading to the store.
She made an approximate calculation of the grocery expenses.
The scientist estimated the population size based on sample data.
The scientist made a rough judgment of the population based on limited data.
Often used in contexts where exact measurement is impractical or unnecessary.
general
a rough calculation or judgment of value, quantity, or extent
The real estate agent provided an estimate of the property's value.
The agent gave an approximate calculation of the property's worth.
The engineer gave an estimate of the project's completion time.
The engineer provided a rough judgment of how long the project would take.
Can refer to both the act of estimating and the result of the estimation.
Collocations
estimate the costto calculate an approximate pricegive an estimateto provide a rough calculation or judgmentrough estimatean approximate calculation without precise details
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Verb vs. Noun Usage
Remember that 'estimate' can function as both a verb (to calculate roughly) and a noun (the result of such a calculation).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The precision of an estimate depends on the context. In informal settings, rough estimates are acceptable, while technical or financial contexts may require more precise calculations.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'estimer' (to estimate, value), from Latin 'aestimare' (to value, appraise), from 'aestimat-', past participle stem of 'aestimare' (to value, appraise), from 'aestimo' (I value, appraise), from 'aestus' (a burning, heat, passion, desire, value, worth), from Proto-Indo-European 'aidh-' (to burn, glow).
Usage Notes
Can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to make an approximate calculation or judgment. As a noun, it refers to the result of such a calculation or judgment.
Word Breakdown
est
from Latin 'aestimo' (to value, appraise)
root-imate
from Latin '-are' (verb suffix)
suffixEnglish Dictionary