verb
extrapolate
ehk-STRAP-uh-layt
Extrapolate (verb) means to estimate or predict unknown information by extending patterns from known data. Example: “Scientists extrapolated future sea levels from decades of measurements.”
verb
1
To estimate or predict unknown information by extending patterns from known data.
"Scientists extrapolated future sea levels from decades of measurements."
"You can't extrapolate a national trend from just two data points."
How to use extrapolate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo guess what comes next (or what's true elsewhere) by extending a pattern you already know.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "interpolate," which estimates a value between two known points rather than beyond them.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
extrapolate from data
extrapolate a trend
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- extrapolates
- Past tense
- extrapolated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Scientists _____ future sea levels from decades of measurements.
Etymology
Built from extra- ("beyond") + a shortened form of "interpolate," coined to describe reasoning beyond a known data range.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for extrapolate
See all rhymes for extrapolate →Frequently asked questions
What does “extrapolate” mean?
The word “extrapolate” means to estimate or predict unknown information by extending patterns from known data. In plain terms, to guess what comes next (or what's true elsewhere) by extending a pattern you already know.
How do you pronounce “extrapolate”?
“Extrapolate” is pronounced ehk-STRAP-uh-layt (/ɛkˈstɹæp.əˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “extrapolate” in a sentence?
Here is “extrapolate” used in a sentence: “Scientists extrapolated future sea levels from decades of measurements.”
What is the opposite of “extrapolate”?
The opposite of “extrapolate” — its antonyms — is interpolate.
What part of speech is “extrapolate”?
“Extrapolate” is a verb.
