Estimate

Definition

Estimate is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to an approximate calculation or judgment regarding the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. As a verb, it means to calculate or judge something approximately, often based on available information.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation (Noun & Verb): /ˈɛstɪˌmeɪt/ (verb), /ˈɛstɪmət/ (noun)
• Respelling: ES-tuh-mayt (verb), ES-tuh-mit (noun)

British English

• IPA Pronunciation (Noun & Verb): /ˈɛstɪmeɪt/ (verb), /ˈɛstɪmət/ (noun)
• Respelling: ES-tuh-mayt (verb), ES-tuh-mit (noun)

Etymology

The word "estimate" originates from the Latin "aestimare," meaning "to value" or "to assess." It entered Middle English via the Old French "estimer," retaining its meaning of evaluating or appraising value or quantity.

Derivatives

• Estimation (noun)
• Estimable (adjective)
• Estimator (noun)
• Underestimate (verb)
• Overestimate (verb)

Synonyms

• Approximation
• Assessment
• Appraisal

Antonyms

• Exact calculation
• Measurement
• Precision

Usage

The term "estimate" is commonly used in various fields to express an approximate value or quantity, as in "The project’s estimate is expected next week." It can also describe judgment-based calculations, as in "The engineer estimated the cost of repairs."

Related Terms

• Approximation: A value close to but not exact to the actual value.
• Assessment: Evaluation or analysis of the value or quality of something.
• Evaluation: Judging the value or amount of something.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An approximate calculation or judgment: Refers to a roughly calculated figure or assessment of value or quantity.
  • Example: "The company provided an estimate for the project’s total cost."

Verb

• To calculate or judge the value, quantity, or extent of something approximately: Describes assessing a value or quantity based on limited information.
  • Example: "She estimated the distance to be around five miles."
• To form a general idea or guess about something: Used when making an educated guess or judgment based on information available.
  • Example: "He estimated that the meeting would take about an hour."