estimate
UK: ˈestɪmeɪt | US: ˈestɪmeɪt
n. an approximate calculation or judgment of value, number, quantity, or extent
vt. to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something
vi. to form an opinion or judgment about something
The word "estimate" traces back to Latin aestimare, meaning "to value or appraise." Over time, it evolved through Old French estimer before entering Middle English as estimat. The morpheme est retains the core idea of valuation, while -ate marks it as a verb. The progression reflects a shift from concrete appraisal (e.g., goods) to abstract judgment (e.g., time, cost).
The contractor provided a rough estimate for the renovation costs.
It’s difficult to estimate how long the project will take.
Her estimate of the situation proved accurate.
Scientists estimate the fossil to be over 10,000 years old.
Can you estimate the number of attendees at the event?