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Guesstimate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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guesstimate

[หˆษกes.tษช.meษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

informal

To estimate or calculate something without precise information or data.

Synonyms

approximate, estimate, roughly calculate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guesstimate

Used in informal situations when giving an estimate based on both guesswork and some known information. It can imply a lack of precision.

  • He just made a guesstimate of the total cost.
  • I can guesstimate how much time we'll need.
approximate

Best for general contexts where a close but not exact figure is needed, often to give a rough but reasonable idea of a quantity or value.

  • The approximate time of arrival is 8 PM.
  • We need an approximate count of attendees.
estimate

Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, used when giving a calculated guess based on available information or data. It often suggests a more careful calculation than 'guesstimate'.

  • Can you estimate the cost of this project?
  • We need to estimate how much material we will need.
roughly calculate

Useful in situations where you need to do a quick calculation, with an understanding that it may not be very precise.

  • I can roughly calculate the distance from here to there.
  • We need to roughly calculate the budget before proceeding.

Examples of usage

  • Can you guesstimate how many people will attend the event?
  • She guesstimated the cost of the repairs to be around $500.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

An estimate made without precise data; a rough guess.

Synonyms

approximation, ballpark figure, rough estimate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guesstimate

Used when you need to estimate something quickly and informally, where precision is less important. It often implies a guess that is not based on much data.

  • I don't have the exact number of attendees, but my guesstimate would be around a hundred
rough estimate

Used when you need to provide a quick and not precise estimate, which is clear to all parties that it is very approximate.

  • This is just a rough estimate, but we might need about three weeks to complete the project
ballpark figure

Used when an estimate is needed to give a general sense or rough idea. It is often used in business contexts where a non-precise number is acceptable for preliminary discussions.

  • Can you give me a ballpark figure of how much the new building might cost?
approximation

Used when you need to convey the idea of being close to an exact number or value without being precise. It generally suggests a somewhat higher level of accuracy than a guess.

  • The approximation of the cost for the new project is around $20,000

Examples of usage

  • His guesstimate of the project completion date was way off.
  • We need to make a guesstimate of the budget before finalizing the plans.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Scientists often need to guesstimate when data is incomplete, making rough calculations to proceed with their work.
  • In physics, guesstimation can help in solving problems when precise measurements are unfeasible.
  • The concept of 'back-of-the-envelope calculations' encourages scientists to use quick estimates to explore ideas without needing detailed data.

Business

  • In business management, guesstimates help project managers make decisions when time is limited, using available information to make educated guesses.
  • Startups often rely on guesstimates for market size and budget planning until actual data is available.
  • Guesstimation is a valuable skill in risk management, allowing professionals to predict potential outcomes based on limited evidence.

Psychology

  • Estimations can be biased by prior knowledge or experiences, resulting in overconfidence in certain guesstimates.
  • Cognitive psychology studies how people make quick estimates and the common errors that can arise in judgment.
  • Understanding how guesstimates are formed can help improve decision-making processes in uncertain situations.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'guesstimate' has appeared in various films and TV shows, often used humorously to showcase characters making ill-informed decisions.
  • In popular media, the approach of guesstimating is often associated with comedic scenarios where characters are overconfident in their guesses.
  • Guesstimate has also entered the vocabulary of social media, with influencers and bloggers using it when discussing trends or audience demographics.

Origin of 'guesstimate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'guesstimate' is a blend of 'guess' and 'estimate', first appearing in the 1930s.
  • It became popular in the 1980s, reflecting a culture increasingly reliant on quick, informal assessments.
  • This term is considered informal and often used in casual conversation or business environments.

The word 'guesstimate' is a blend of 'guess' and 'estimate', and it first appeared in the early 20th century. It is commonly used in informal contexts where a rough calculation or approximation is needed without precise data. The term emphasizes the informal and speculative nature of the estimation process, often used when exact figures are not available.

See also: guess, guesser, guessing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,743, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.