Estimate
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈɛstɨmɨt/ (noun)
- IPA: /ˈɛstɨˌmeɪ̪t/ (verb)
Alternative forms
- æstimate archaic
Origin
From Latin aestimatus, past participle of aestimÅ, older form aestumo ("to value, rate, esteem"); from Old Latin *ais-temos ("one who cuts copper"), meaning one in the Roman Republic who mints money. See also esteem.
Full definition of estimate
Noun
estimate
(plural estimates)- A rough calculation or guess.
- (construction and business) A document (or verbal notification) specifying how much a job will probably cost.
- 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, Well Tackled! Chapter 3, “They know our boats will stand up to their work,” said Willison, “and that counts for a good deal. A low estimate from us doesn't mean scamped work, but just that we want to keep the yard busy over a slack time.”
Synonyms
Derived terms
Verb
- To calculate roughly, often from imperfect data.
- 1965, Ian Hacking, Logic of Statistical Inference, I estimate that I need 400 board feet of lumber to complete a job, and then order 350 because I do not want a surplus, or perhaps order 450 because I do not want to make any subsequent orders.
- 2003, Alexander J. Field, Gregory Clark, William A. Sundstrom, Research in Economic History, Higher real prices for durables are estimated to have reduced their consumption per capita by 1.09% in 1930, ...
- To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
- John LockeIt is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them.
- J. C. ShairpIt is always very difficult to estimate the age in which you are living.