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estimation

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɛstəˈmeɪʃən// UK //ˌɛstɪmˈeɪʃən// es·ti·ma·tion

n. a guess or calculation of the value, size, or cost of something. You use this when you do not have the exact numbers but want to be close.

n. a judgment or calculation regarding the approximate value, amount, or nature of something. Often involves the use of statistical or mathematical models to reach a conclusion.


SIMPLE

The builder gave us an estimation of the total cost.

CONTEXTUAL

According to the latest estimation by the finance department, the project will take six months to complete.

COMPLEX

While the initial estimation of the crowd size was modest, subsequent aerial photography suggested that the actual attendance was nearly double the original figure.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English estimacioun, estimacion, from Old French estimacion, from Latin aestimatio. Morphologically estimate + -ion.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific calculation or quote; uncountable when referring to the general process of judging something.

Pitfall

In my estimation about the situationIn my estimation of the situationWhen expressing an opinion or judgment, the noun is typically followed by the preposition 'of' rather than 'about'.

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