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estimate

When used as a verb, 'estimate' usually refers to a guess based on some evidence rather than a random guess. As a noun, it is often used in business or construction contexts (like a 'price estimate') to describe the predicted cost of a job before the work begins. Be careful with pronunciation: when it is a verb, the end sounds like "ate" (est-ih-mate). When it is a noun, the end sounds more like "it" (est-ih-mit).

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Mark is hiding in the breakroom to avoid a project deadline.
Mark

Yo, any clue what the estimate for that server fix is? Boss is breathing down my neck.

Mark
Brian
Brian

I'm not touching it until you actually try restarting it first. Stop slacking.

💡
Mark uses 'breathing down my neck' (an idiom meaning to monitor someone closely and pressuringly) while asking for a cost or time estimate, showing his desperation to deflect the boss's pressure onto Brian.

Meanings

verb (transitive)

To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or size of something.

"The contractor will estimate the cost of the renovations by tomorrow."

verb (transitive)

To form an opinion or judgment about the nature, character, or worth of someone or something.

"He is highly estimated by his colleagues for his integrity."

verb (intransitive)

To calculate approximately without precise measurement.

"Experts estimate that the population will double in ten years."

noun

An approximate calculation or judgment of the value, extent, or cost of something.

"The insurance company provided a rough estimate of the damage."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error