C1 verb Neutral

estimate

/ˈɛstɪmeɪt/

To form an approximate judgment or opinion regarding the value, amount, size, or cost of something. It involves using available data to make a calculation that is likely to be close to the actual figure without being perfectly precise.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I estimate that we will arrive at the hotel by 7:00 PM.

I think we will get to the hotel at approximately 7:00 PM.

2

The government was asked to estimate the total cost of the infrastructure project.

The authorities were requested to calculate the approximate price of the construction work.

3

Just estimate how much beer we'll need for the party tonight.

Give me a rough guess of the amount of drinks required for tonight's event.

Word Family

Noun
estimation
Verb
estimate
Adjective
estimated
Related
estimator
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Esti-mate': Your 'mate' (friend) gives you a rough 'estimate' of when they will arrive.

Quick Quiz

Experts ________ that the restoration of the cathedral will take at least five years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: estimate

Examples

1

I estimate that we will arrive at the hotel by 7:00 PM.

everyday

I think we will get to the hotel at approximately 7:00 PM.

2

The government was asked to estimate the total cost of the infrastructure project.

formal

The authorities were requested to calculate the approximate price of the construction work.

3

Just estimate how much beer we'll need for the party tonight.

informal

Give me a rough guess of the amount of drinks required for tonight's event.

4

Biologists estimate that the local bird population has declined by 15% since the last survey.

academic

Scientists calculate roughly that the number of local birds has dropped by 15% since the previous study.

5

We need to estimate the quarterly growth before the shareholders' meeting.

business

It is necessary to project the approximate increase in value for the three-month period before the meeting.

Word Family

Noun
estimation
Verb
estimate
Adjective
estimated
Related
estimator

Common Collocations

estimate the cost calculate the approximate price
roughly estimate calculate in an imprecise way
conservatively estimate calculate an amount using the lowest likely figures
accurately estimate provide a very close approximation
estimate the damage judge the extent of the harm or loss

Common Phrases

be estimated to be

is thought to be approximately a certain amount

it is estimated that

current calculations suggest that

difficult to estimate

hard to judge the approximate value

Often Confused With

estimate vs calculate

Calculate implies a precise mathematical result based on known facts, whereas estimate implies a rougher, informed guess.

estimate vs guess

Guessing is often based on little to no evidence, while estimating relies on some data or professional experience.

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Usage Notes

The verb 'estimate' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound at the end (/eɪt/), whereas the noun version ends with a schwa sound (/ət/). It is commonly used in technical, financial, and scientific contexts.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'guess' in formal reports where 'estimate' would provide a more professional tone. Another mistake is using 'estimate' when the exact number is already known.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Esti-mate': Your 'mate' (friend) gives you a rough 'estimate' of when they will arrive.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'aestimatus', meaning 'valued' or 'appraised'.

Grammar Patterns

estimate that + clause estimate something to be + noun/adjective estimate something at + amount
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Cultural Context

In business and trade, an estimate is a document provided to a client that outlines the expected cost, but unlike a 'fixed quote', it is not usually legally binding.

Quick Quiz

Experts ________ that the restoration of the cathedral will take at least five years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: estimate

Related Words

presolvful

C1

A specialized noun referring to a preliminary batch of information or the initial capacity required to begin resolving a complex issue. It describes the state of having gathered enough preparatory elements to initiate a formal solution process.

dephotoation

C1

Describes the intentional removal or degradation of photographic qualities and realistic details to achieve a stylized or abstract visual effect. It is primarily used in digital art and media theory to define a shift away from high-fidelity realism.

semiprobine

C1

To conduct a preliminary or partial investigation into a system, process, or subject to assess initial conditions or feasibility. It is typically used in technical or analytical contexts to describe a non-exhaustive initial scan performed before committing to a full-scale inquiry.

bivenship

C1

Pertaining to the legal framework or status derived from the Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents precedent, which allows individuals to sue federal officials for constitutional violations. It describes the specific remedial and procedural characteristics of such legal actions within the federal court system.

monoultimive

C1

Describes the single, final element or unique terminal point in a specific sequence or process. It is used to emphasize that there is only one concluding step or outcome possible in a given logical or physical progression.

hypersancttion

C1

A hypersancttion refers to an exceptionally severe, multi-layered, or totalizing penalty imposed by an authority or governing body. It describes a level of punishment or restriction that goes far beyond standard disciplinary measures, often aiming to completely isolate the target economically or socially.

informate

C1

A term referring to the information or data automatically generated by a computerized process, which provides visibility into the underlying activities of an organization. Unlike simple automation, which merely replaces human labor, this concept focuses on the capacity of technology to translate processes into readable information for analysis.

intrajudcy

C1

To conduct an internal evaluation or legal assessment within an organization or specific body to resolve a conflict or issue before it is moved to an external authority. This verb describes the process of deliberate internal adjudication used to maintain control over institutional standards.

unifacion

C1

Unification is the process of combining or merging separate parts, organizations, or countries into a single, cohesive whole. It refers to the structural or conceptual act of creating a unified entity from diverse components.

hyperclaudal

C1

Describing a state of extreme closure, excessive isolation, or severe restriction within a system or structure. It is frequently used in technical, theoretical, or test-specific contexts to denote a high degree of impenetrability that prevents external interaction or influence.

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