Estimate vs. Guess: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
An "estimate" is a calculated approximation based on data or prior knowledge, while a "guess" is a judgment made without substantial evidence or calculations.
Difference Between Estimate and Guess
The word estimate carries a sense of calculation and method. It implies that a person has used some data, previous experience, or a specific method to arrive at a number or answer. On the contrary, a guess typically lacks this systematic approach and is more spontaneous.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
When professionals, such as contractors or accountants, provide an estimate, they are indicating a calculated judgment based on their expertise and available information. A guess, however, even if made by professionals, doesn't usually come with the same weight or assurance of accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Estimates often come with a degree of confidence attached to them. For instance, scientists might give an estimate with a certain confidence interval. A guess is more arbitrary, with no standard measure of its potential accuracy.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
In many contexts, an estimate is seen as more reliable than a guess. This reliability stems from the belief that some level of analysis, however rudimentary, underpins the estimate. Meanwhile, a guess might be seen as hasty or without foundation.
Henry
Sep 16, 2023
Despite their differences, both estimates and guesses acknowledge uncertainty. Neither claim to be exact or definitive, but the former usually has a stronger basis for its approximation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Estimate vs. Guess Comparison Chart
Basis
Data, prior knowledge, calculation.
Spontaneity, lacking substantial evidence.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Reliability
Generally more reliable due to method or data.
Seen as less reliable.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Common Usage
Professional contexts, where accuracy is sought.
Casual situations, or when uncertain.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Confidence
Often comes with a confidence level or range.
No standard measure of its potential accuracy.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Degree of Uncertainty Acknowledged
Yes, but usually with a methodological foundation.
Yes, and is often arbitrary.
Leo
Sep 16, 2023
Estimate vs. Guess Definitions
◉Estimate
A judgment or statement produced after evaluating available information.
The population estimate for the city is around a million.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Guess
A spontaneous judgment made without adequate evidence.
My guess is that the event will start at 7 PM.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
◉Estimate
A formal statement of the expected cost of work to be done.
The car repair shop's estimate was surprisingly affordable.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
◉Guess
A speculative answer to a question.
That's a tough question, but my guess would be the Eiffel Tower.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
◉Estimate
An educated guess based on experience or expertise.
Based on the symptoms, the doctor's estimate was that recovery would take two weeks.
Lucas
Sep 16, 2023
◉Guess
An assumption based on limited knowledge or information.
My best guess is that the package will arrive by Friday.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Estimate
A statistical calculation from known data.
According to the latest estimate, 70% of users prefer the new interface.
William
Sep 16, 2023
◉Guess
An uncertain expectation about an outcome.
She made a lucky guess and won the game.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
◉Estimate
A calculated approximation based on relevant data.
The contractor gave an estimate of $5,000 for the repairs.
Elijah
Sep 16, 2023
◉Estimate
To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To assume, presume, or assert (a fact) without sufficient information.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
To form an opinion about; evaluate
"While an author is yet living we estimate his powers by his worst performance" (Samuel Johnson).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
A tentative evaluation or rough calculation, as of worth, quantity, or size
an estimate of the damage caused by the storm.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
A statement of the approximate cost of work to be done, such as a building project or car repairs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To make an estimate or conjecture
We could only guess at her motives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion
I have a high estimate of his character.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
A rough calculation or assessment of the value, size, or cost of something.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
(construction and business) A document (or verbal notification) specifying how much a job is likely to cost.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To solve by a correct conjecture; to conjecture rightly.
He who guesses the riddle shall have the ring.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
to suppose (introducing a proposition of uncertain plausibility).
That album is quite hard to find, but I guess you could try ordering it online.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data, - either the extrinsic (money), or intrinsic (moral), value; to fix the worth of roughly or in a general way; as, to estimate the value of goods or land; to estimate the worth or talents of a person.
It is by the weight of silver, and not the name of the piece, that men estimate commodities and exchange them.
It is always very difficult to estimate the age in which you are living.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
(colloquial) To think, conclude, or decide (without a connotation of uncertainty). Usually in first person: "I guess".
"I guess you were right." "What did he say?" "He guesses you were right."
"I guess I'll go to bed."
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
To from an opinion of, as to amount,, number, etc., from imperfect data, comparison, or experience; to make an estimate of; to calculate roughly; to rate; as, to estimate the cost of a trip, the number of feet in a piece of land.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
A valuing or rating by the mind, without actually measuring, weighing, or the like; rough or approximate calculation; as, an estimate of the cost of a building, or of the quantity of water in a pond.
Weigh success in a moral balance, and our whole estimate is changed.
No; dear as freedom is, and in my heart'sJust estimation prized above all price.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
A prediction about the outcome of something, typically made without factual evidence or support.
If you don't know the answer, take a guess.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth;
an estimate of what it would cost
a rough idea how long it would take
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To form an opinion concerning, without knowledge or means of knowledge; to judge of at random; to conjecture.
First, if thou canst, the harder reason guess.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
a judgment of the qualities of something or somebody;
many factors are involved in any estimate of human life
in my estimation the boy is innocent
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To judge or form an opinion of, from reasons that seem preponderating, but are not decisive.
We may then guess how far it was from his design.
Of ambushed men, whom, by their arms and dress,To be Taxallan enemies I guess.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To solve by a correct conjecture; to conjecture rightly; as, he who guesses the riddle shall have the ring; he has guessed my designs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
a statement indicating the likely cost of some job;
he got an estimate from the car repair shop
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To hit upon or reproduce by memory.
Tell me their words, as near as thou canst guess them.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
the respect with which a person is held;
they had a high estimation of his ability
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To think; to suppose; to believe; to imagine; - followed by an objective clause.
Not all together; better far, I guess,That we do make our entrance several ways.
But in known images of life I guessThe labor greater.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time);
I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
To make a guess or random judgment; to conjecture; - with at, about, etc.
This is the place, as well as I may guess.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
An opinion as to anything, formed without sufficient or decisive evidence or grounds; an attempt to hit upon the truth by a random judgment; a conjecture; a surmise.
A poet must confessHis art 's like physic - but a happy guess.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
expect, believe, or suppose;
I imagine she earned a lot of money with her new novel
I thought to find her in a bad state
he didn't think to find her in the kitchen
I guess she is angry at me for standing her up
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation;
I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again
I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time);
I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
guess correctly; solve by guessing;
He guessed the right number of beans in the jar and won the prize
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Guess
A casual prediction without systematic analysis.
If I had to guess, I'd say it's going to rain tomorrow.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Estimate vs. Guess Frequently Asked Questions
Can a guess ever be accurate?
Yes, guesses can be accurate, but they lack a systematic foundation to guarantee accuracy.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Do all professionals give estimates instead of guesses?
Not necessarily, but professionals often provide estimates based on their expertise and available data.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Why might someone guess instead of estimate?
Guessing is faster and requires no data or specific methodology, making it suitable for casual or uncertain situations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Is an estimate more reliable than a guess?
Typically, an estimate is seen as more reliable due to its basis in data or methodology.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Are there any tools to improve the accuracy of estimates?
Yes, various analytical tools, software, and statistical methods can enhance the accuracy of estimates.
Muazma Batool
Sep 16, 2023
Can an estimate be completely wrong?
Yes, estimates can be incorrect, especially if based on inaccurate data or flawed methodology.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
In what contexts are estimates essential?
Estimates are vital in professional settings, such as construction, finance, and scientific research, where accuracy and informed judgments are crucial.
Levi
Sep 16, 2023
Is guessing always a random process?
Not always. A guess can be informed by prior knowledge, but it lacks the structured approach of an estimate.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 16, 2023
Can one turn a guess into an estimate?
With additional data, analysis, or relevant experience, a guess can be refined into a more reliable estimate.
Kaitlyn
Sep 16, 2023
Are both estimates and guesses subject to revision?
Yes, as more information becomes available or situations change, both estimates and guesses can be revised.
Olivia
Sep 16, 2023
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