Definition

A rough calculation or judgment about the value, size, or cost of something.

Example

The contractor provided an estimate for the renovation costs.

Conversation

Have you gotten an estimate for the car repairs yet?

Not yet, but I plan to take it in this weekend.

It would be good to know the estimate before you decide what to do.

Definitely! I want to be sure I can afford it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To calculate or judge the value, size, or amount of something in a rough or approximate way.

Example

We need to estimate the cost of the project before we start.

Tense Forms

Conversation

How do you estimate the time it will take to finish the project?

I usually just look at similar tasks and make a rough guess.

That makes sense; I tend to estimate too high sometimes.

Root Explanation

Estimate → It is formed from "aestimare" (meaning to value or appraise) which comes from the Latin roots "aestus" (meaning heat or passion) and "-mare" (meaning to measure). The word "estimate" means to assess the value or worth of something.

Memory Tip

Think of valuing something with passion ('aestus') — that's how you remember that 'estimate' means to assess or appraise value.

Visually Confused Words