Definition

1. Noun:

   • A rough or approximate calculation: An "estimate" is a judgment or calculation of the approximate value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
   • A statement of the likely cost of a job: An "estimate" is a document or statement provided by a professional, indicating the probable price for a service or project.
   • A judgment or opinion about the quality, nature, or value of something or someone: An "estimate" can refer to an assessment or evaluation.

2. Verb:

   • To form an approximate judgment or calculation: To "estimate" means to roughly calculate, judge, or guess the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.
   • To judge tentatively: To "estimate" can mean to form an opinion or assessment based on incomplete information.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The contractor gave us an estimate for the kitchen renovation.
  • My estimate is that the project will take about six months to complete.
  • In my estimate, she is the most qualified candidate for the position.

• Verb:

  • Can you estimate how many people will attend the event?
  • I estimate the total cost to be around five hundred dollars.
  • Archaeologists estimate the age of the artifact to be over 3,000 years old.

Advanced Usage

• "To make an estimate": To perform a calculation or form a judgment about something.
  • We need to make a rough estimate of the materials required.
• "A ballpark estimate": A very rough or approximate figure.
  • I don't need an exact number, just give me a ballpark estimate.
• "To be held in high/low estimate": To be highly or poorly regarded by others. (This usage is more formal and synonymous with "estimation".)
  • The professor is held in high estimate by his colleagues.

Variants and Related Words

• Estimation (n): The process of forming an estimate; a judgment or opinion.
  • In my estimation, this is the best course of action.
• Estimator (n): A person or tool that makes estimates.
  • He works as a cost estimator for a construction firm.
• Overestimate (v/n): To estimate something to be greater than it actually is; an estimate that is too high.
  • It's better to overestimate your expenses than to be caught short.
• Underestimate (v/n): To estimate something to be smaller or less important than it actually is; an estimate that is too low.
  • Never underestimate the importance of good communication.

Synonyms

• Noun: Approximation, assessment, evaluation, appraisal, guess, quotation, quote.
• Verb: Approximate, assess, gauge, judge, reckon, calculate roughly.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Estimate" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically conveyed directly.) - "Estimate for": To provide a price quote for a specific job or service. - Several companies are estimating for the new bridge project.

Related Idioms

• "A conservative estimate": A deliberately cautious or low estimate, often to avoid overpromising.
  • At a conservative estimate, the work will take two weeks.
• "Guesstimate" (informal, blend of 'guess' and 'estimate'): A rough estimate based on a mixture of guessing and calculation.
  • I don't have the data, so this is just a guesstimate.

Noun

1. the respect with which a person is held
   • they had a high estimation of his ability
2. a statement indicating the likely cost of some job
   • he got an estimate from the car repair shop
3. a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
4. a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody
   • many factors are involved in any estimate of human life
   • in my estimation the boy is innocent
5. an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
   • an estimate of what it would cost
   • a rough idea how long it would take

Verb

1. judge to be probable
2. judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
   • I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds