estimate
C1Formal, semi-formal, technical.
Definition
Meaning
A rough calculation or approximation of the value, amount, quantity, or extent of something.
A formal, often written, judgment or appraisal, especially regarding professional work, costs, or time required; an opinion about the character or quality of something or someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it indicates an approximate calculation or a formal, professional quotation. As a verb, it means to form an approximate judgment. Often implies a degree of uncertainty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is the pronunciation stress: BrE on the first syllable for the noun, AmE often on the first for both, but BrE distinguishes noun (first syllable) from verb (third syllable). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Both carry the same connotations of approximation, judgment, and professional assessment.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties across professional and academic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
estimate something (at something)estimate that...estimate something to be...estimate for something (BrE, in quotations)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ballpark estimate/figures (informal)”
- “At a rough estimate”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal cost estimate for a client, often a written document preceding a contract.
Academic
Statistical estimates in research, estimating population parameters or effects.
Everyday
A quick guess about the time, cost, or number of people at an event.
Technical
Engineering estimates for materials, software estimates for project completion time (e.g., 'story points').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Can you estimate how many attendees we'll have?
- They estimated the repair costs at £1500.
- We need to estimate for the full refurbishment.
American English
- He estimated the project would take six months.
- They estimated the damage to be over $10,000.
- It's hard to estimate the final cost at this stage.
adverb
British English
- The work will take approximately, or estimatedly, three weeks. (RARE/UNCOMMON)
American English
- (Very rarely used; 'approximately' is standard)
adjective
British English
- The estimated time of arrival is 14:30.
- The estimated budget is being reviewed.
American English
- The estimated cost is still too high.
- This is just the estimated completion date.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is just a rough estimate.
- I estimate it will take one hour.
- The builder gave us a written estimate for the work.
- Can you estimate the number of people in the room?
- Initial estimates placed the cost at €1 million, but this was later revised.
- It is difficult to estimate the long-term impact of the policy.
- Economists have produced a conservative estimate of the market's growth potential.
- Her skills were held in high estimate by her colleagues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ESTimate = Evaluate & STate roughly.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEASUREMENT IS JUDGMENT (e.g., 'a high estimate of his abilities'). UNCERTAINTY IS A RANGE (e.g., 'a ballpark estimate').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "оценка" (which is broader, includes 'mark/grade'). Use "смета" for a formal cost estimate. For a verb, "оценивать" works, but remember the inherent approximation.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'estimation' (the process, less common). Saying 'an estimation' when 'an estimate' is correct. Using a plural verb with 'estimate' as a singular noun (e.g., 'The estimate are...' is wrong).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'estimate' used correctly as a noun with the most common business meaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Always 'an estimate' because the word begins with a vowel sound /e/.
'Estimate' is the result (the approximate figure). 'Estimation' refers more to the process or act of estimating, or a personal opinion/judgment. In most practical contexts (cost, time, number), 'estimate' is the standard term.
Traditionally, the noun is /ˈestɪmət/ (stress on first syllable, short vowel in last) and the verb is /ˈestɪmeɪt/ (stress on first syllable, long vowel/diphthong in last). However, in modern BrE, /ˈestɪmeɪt/ is common for both, but the distinction is still noted by some speakers and dictionaries.
Yes, but it is formal/literary and means 'judgment of worth or character' (e.g., 'I had a low estimate of his honesty'). In everyday language, 'opinion' or 'judgment' is more common.