# estimate

/ˈɛstəˌmeɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/estimate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a rough calculation

noun · CEFR B2 · General-service

a guess or calculation of the cost, size, or value of something based on the information you have.

For teachers: an approximate calculation or judgement of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something.

- The builder gave us a rough estimate of how much the new roof would cost.
- According to the latest government estimate, the project will require an additional three years of funding to reach completion.

### 2. a formal price quote

noun · CEFR B2 · General-service

a written document from a business saying how much they will charge for a job.

For teachers: a formal statement of the likely cost of a specific job or service, often provided by a contractor.

- We asked three different garages for an estimate before deciding where to fix the car.
- The contractor provided a detailed estimate that itemised the costs for both raw materials and skilled labour.

### 3. to calculate roughly

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic · General-service

to guess the cost, size, or value of something using the information you have.

For teachers: to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. Transitive — usually takes a direct object or a 'that' clause.

- Experts estimate that the painting is worth over one million dollars.
- Economists estimate that the new trade policy will increase the national growth rate by at least two percent over the next decade.

## Examples

- The builder gave us a free estimate for the new roof.
- Based on current sales figures, our conservative estimate is that we will reach the target by December.
- While the initial estimate suggested a modest recovery, subsequent data indicated that the economic downturn was far more systemic than analysts had first presumed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.