overestimate
oh-vuhr-EHS-tih-mayt
Overestimate (verb) means to judge or guess that something is larger, better, or more significant than it really is. Example: “He overestimated how long the drive would take.”
verb
1
To judge or guess that something is larger, better, or more significant than it really is.
"He overestimated how long the drive would take."
"The company overestimated demand and produced too much stock."
noun
1
A guess or calculation that turns out to be too high.
"Their sales forecast was a huge overestimate."
How to use overestimate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo guess higher than the true amount, value, or difficulty.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
overestimate the cost
overestimate one's abilities
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like overestimate.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- overestimates
- Third person singular
- overestimates
- Past tense
- overestimated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ how long the drive would take.
Etymology
From over- + estimate.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for overestimate
See all rhymes for overestimate →Frequently asked questions
What does “overestimate” mean?
The word “overestimate” means to judge or guess that something is larger, better, or more significant than it really is. In plain terms, to guess higher than the true amount, value, or difficulty.
How do you pronounce “overestimate”?
“Overestimate” is pronounced oh-vuhr-EHS-tih-mayt (/ˌəʊvəɹˈɛstɪmeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “overestimate” in a sentence?
Here is “overestimate” used in a sentence: “He overestimated how long the drive would take.”
What is the opposite of “overestimate”?
The opposite of “overestimate” — its antonyms — is underestimate.
What part of speech is “overestimate”?
Depending on how it is used, “overestimate” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “overestimate” have?
“Overestimate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to judge or guess that something is larger, better, or more significant than it really is.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include overestimate:
