# extrapolate

/ɛkˈstɹæpəˌɫeɪt/ (US) · /ɛkstɹˈæpəlˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extrapolate
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

to use present facts or numbers to guess what will happen next or what is true in a wider group. You use it when you extend a pattern beyond what you can see.

For teachers: to infer unknown values, trends, or conclusions by extending an observed pattern or data set beyond its original range.

## Examples

- Scientists extrapolate future sales from last year's numbers.
- The planners extrapolate city growth from the last census to decide where to build new schools.
- From two warm winters, commentators extrapolate a lasting shift in climate, though statisticians warn that such a small sample cannot support broad conclusions about long-term trends.

## Usage notes

- Transitive; typically takes 'from' for the known data and 'to' for the projection.

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