es·ti·mate
(ĕśtə-māt́)
[Latin aestimāre, aestimāt-.]
transitive verb: -mat·ed, -mat·ing, -mates.
- To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
- To form an opinion about; evaluate: “While an author is yet living we estimate his powers by his worst performance” (Samuel Johnson)
noun
- The act of evaluating or appraising.
- A tentative evaluation or rough calculation, as of worth, quantity, or size.
- A statement of the approximate cost of work to be done, such as a building project or car repairs.
- A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion.
derivatives
- eśti·mátive
- adjective
- eśti·mátor
- noun
synonyms:
estimate, appraise, assess, assay, evaluate, rate1 These verbs mean to form a judgment of worth or significance. Estimate usually implies a subjective and somewhat inexact judgment: difficult to estimate the possible results in advance. Appraise stresses expert judgment: appraised the works of art. Assess implies authoritative judgment in setting a monetary value on something as a basis for taxation: assessing real estate for investors. Assay refers to careful examination, especially to chemical analysis of an ore: will assay the ingot. In extended senses appraise, assess, and assay can refer to any critical analysis: appraised his character; will assess the impact of higher taxes; assaying the idea's merit. Evaluate implies considered judgment in ascertaining value: evaluating a student's thesis for content and organization. Rate involves determining the rank or grade of someone or something in relation to others: rated the restaurant higher than any other in the city.
