B2verb2K

Estimate

UK //ˈɛstɪmeɪt//US //ˈɛstəˌmeɪt//

Definition

To calculate an approximate value or amount.

In simple words: To make an educated guess about a number or amount.

Examples

  • Can you estimate the cost of the project?
  • It’s difficult to estimate how long it will take.
  • They estimate that the population will grow by 10%.
  • We need to estimate the time needed for this task.
  • I can only estimate the number of attendees at the event.

Usage notes

Use 'estimate' in formal and informal contexts when discussing predictions or calculations. Avoid in casual conversations unless talking about numbers.

Grammar pattern

estimate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'a-stimate' as estimating a situation.

Collocations

  • estimate the cost
  • estimate the time
  • estimate the value

Synonyms

  • approximate
  • evaluate
  • guess
  • judge
  • predict

Antonyms

  • calculate
  • measure

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'assess' which means to evaluate rather than guess.
  • Using with the wrong preposition like 'to estimate in' instead of 'to estimate at'.