Estimating
ˈɛstɪˌmeɪtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo form an approximate judgment or opinion regarding the value, amount, size, or nature of something.
ˈɛstɪˌmeɪtɪŋ
To roughly calculate or judge the value, size, or amount of something.
The contractor is estimating the cost of the renovation.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a trip. 'Estimating' is like figuring out how much money you'll need or how long it will take to drive—making a good guess based on the information you have, not necessarily a precise calculation. Like, you're estimating how many cookies you'll need for the party based on how many guests are coming.
👶 For kids: Making a good guess about how much something costs, or how big it is.
More Examples
Doctors estimate that the patient will recover in a few weeks.
I'm estimating the time it will take to finish the assignment.
We're estimating the value of the house.
How It's Used
"Estimating the project costs is a crucial part of the planning phase."
"They were estimating the area of the irregular shape."
"I'm just estimating how long the drive will take."
An approximate calculation or judgment of the value, size, or amount of something.
ˈɛstɪmətɪŋ
An approximate calculation or judgment.
The contractor provided an estimate for the home renovation.
💡 Simply: When you get an estimate, you're getting a ballpark figure, a rough guess of how much something will cost or how long it will take. Like, getting a quote from a painter.
👶 For kids: A guess about how much something costs or how long it will take.
More Examples
The initial estimate was much lower than the final cost.
The insurance company gave me an estimate for the car repairs.
I asked for an estimate for the plumbing work.
How It's Used
"The company is seeking estimates from several contractors."
"We need to get three estimates before signing a contract."
Synonyms
From Middle English estimaten, from Latin aestimatus, past participle of aestimare ('to appraise, estimate'), from aestimō ('I value').
The word 'estimate' has been used since the 16th century to convey the action of appraising or assessing something. Historically, it involved careful consideration before arriving at a judgment.
Memory tip
Think of making a rough guess like 'guesstimating' to remember the meaning.