What does "estimate" mean?
A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
Estimate
/ˈɛs.tɪ.mət/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
- Grammar: estimate is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: appraisal, approximate, approximation, a project.
- Useful contrasts: actual, danish måle, french mesurer.
- Usage evidence: Try to estimate how much you spent on books.
How to use "estimate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "estimate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "estimate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "estimate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "estimate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "estimate" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "appraisal" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "estimate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
"“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.”"
- 2 a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody wordnet
- 3 A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.; A document (or verbal notification) specifying how much a job is likely to cost. specifically
- 4 an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth wordnet
- 5 An upper limitation on some positive quantity.
"The desired norm estimate is now obtained from the identity... [referring to an earlier statement saying that a certain norm is less than or equal to a certain expression]"
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 the respect with which a person is held wordnet
- 7 a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation) wordnet
- 8 a statement indicating the likely cost of some job wordnet
Verb
- 1 To calculate roughly, often from imperfect data.
"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."
- 2 judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time) wordnet
- 3 To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
"It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them."
- 4 judge to be probable wordnet
Adjective
- 1 estimated obsolete, rare
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Try to estimate how much you spent on books."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "estimate"?
Common synonyms include: appraisal, approximate, approximation, a project, account as, add.
How do you use "estimate" in a sentence?
Try to estimate how much you spent on books.
How do you pronounce "estimate"?
Pronounced /ˈɛs.tɪ.mət/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English estimat, borrowed from Latin aestimātus (“valuing, estimate”, only used in the ablative singular: "aestimātū..." (in valuing...)), from aestimō + -tus (“action noun-forming suffix”).
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Latin aestimātus, perfect passive participle of aestimō (“to estimate”) (see -ate), older form aestumō (“to value, rate, esteem”); from Old Latin *ais-temos (“one who cuts copper”), meaning one in the Roman Republic who mints money. Compare Middle English estymatt (“reputed”) / estimat. See also the doublet esteem, as well as aim.
Etymology 3
From Latin aestimātus (“estimated”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 2 for more. Originally used as the past participle of estimate; compare generate or communicate.