Meaning & Definition of word "Overestimate"
to
Overestimate
/ˌoʊvərˈɛstəˌmeɪt/
noun:
- 1. an assessment or valuation that is higher than the actual value.
- Example: Her overestimate of the project's budget led to significant financial issues.
- 2. a misjudgment regarding the size, worth, or importance of something.
- Example: The overestimate in the number of participants caused logistical problems at the event.
verb:
- 1. to assess or determine the value, importance, or size of something as greater than it actually is.
- Example: It's common for investors to overestimate the potential returns of their investments.
- 2. to think that something is more than it is in terms of ability or performance.
- Example: He overestimated his ability to complete the project on time.
- 3. to rate or regard someone or something more highly than is justified.
- Example: The critics tend to overestimate the quality of his films due to their unique style.
Etymology
The term overestimate is formed from the prefix 'over-', meaning too much, and 'estimate', meaning to assess the value of something.
Common Phrases and Expressions
don't overestimate your abilities:
A caution against assuming one is more capable than they truly are.
overestimate the importance:
To regard something as more significant than it actually is.
Related Words
estimate:
To judge the amount, number, or value of something.
assessment:
The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.
Slang Meanings of overestimate
Meaning: Highballing
Example Sentence: He's highballing his scores on the test; he didn't do that well.
Meaning: Hype it up
Example Sentence: They really hyped it up, but it wasn't as good as they said.