Words / B2

ohv-uh-r-EST-im-ayt/ˌəʊvərˈestɪmeɪt/

To overestimate is to guess a size, number, or ability as larger than it is: overestimate demand; overestimate a risk. Opposite: underestimate; estimate is the base verb. Do not overestimate a sample of twelve. Noun: an overestimate. Mix-up: overstate (already elsewhere) is to say too strongly; overdo. Do not write overestimate for “praise too much” without a quantity.

Meaning

To guess a size, number, or ability as larger than it really is.

Examples

• “Do not overestimate a sample of twelve, the methods tutor said.”
• “The bid overestimated demand for the evening class, which is the numbers sense.”

Good to know

overestimate + noun; an overestimate of. Opposite: underestimate. Trap: overstate / overdo. Methods, economics, and planning. Too high a guess, not mere enthusiasm.

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