Estimate vs. Wag: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 25, 2023
An "estimate" is a rough calculation or judgment, while "wag" typically refers to the movement of a tail or a casual guess (as in "wild-ass guess").
Difference Between Estimate and Wag
The word "estimate" and "wag" have distinct meanings in the English language, though in some colloquial contexts, they might overlap. "Estimate" is primarily associated with providing an approximate calculation or judgment based on available data or experience. For example, professionals often give estimates for project costs or timelines after analyzing the scope of work.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Conversely, "wag" primarily means the back-and-forth movement of a tail, as when dogs wag their tails in excitement. However, "WAG" is also an informal acronym for "wild-ass guess," which is a crude or uneducated guess. In this sense, "wag" overlaps with "estimate," but it's more informal and typically implies less certainty and a lack of comprehensive analysis.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
When we use "estimate," we often imply that there's some basis, even if uncertain, for the given figure or judgment. For instance, contractors might provide clients with estimates for a job based on previous similar projects they've completed. The word suggests a combination of experience, knowledge, and informed projection.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
On the other hand, the informal "wag" in the sense of "wild-ass guess" suggests making a prediction without much information to support it. It's more impulsive and can sometimes be used humorously. When a dog "wags" its tail, there's no overlap in meaning with "estimate" – it's purely about the action of moving the tail back and forth.
William
Sep 25, 2023
In essence, while both "estimate" and "wag" can touch upon the idea of making a guess, the contexts and implications of each word vary greatly, with "estimate" being more professional and data-driven and "wag" being casual or pertaining to the movement of a tail.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
Estimate vs. Wag Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Approximate calculation or judgment
Movement of a tail or a crude guess
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Implication
Informed projection
Impulsive or without much data (for the guess)
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Estimate vs. Wag Definitions
◉Estimate
An educated guess based on data or experience.
The scientist provided an estimate of the species' population.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Estimate
To form a judgment about the value, size, or amount.
We need to estimate the resources required for the project.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Wag
An informal guess without much supporting information.
I don't know the answer; I'm just taking a wag.
William
Sep 25, 2023
◉Estimate
A statement of the probable cost of a job or service.
The mechanic provided an estimate for the car repairs.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Wag
To move briskly and repeatedly from side to side, to and fro, or up and down
The dog's tail wagged.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Estimate
An approximation without exact details.
The crowd size was an estimate of around 1,000 people.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Estimate
To calculate approximately (the amount, extent, magnitude, position, or value of something).
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
◉Wag
To move (a body part) rapidly from side to side or up and down, as in playfulness, agreement, or admonition
wagged his finger at the giggling students.
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
◉Estimate
A judgment based on one's impressions; an opinion
I have a high estimate of his character.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Wag
To swing from side to side, such as of an animal's tail, or someone's head, to express disagreement or disbelief.
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
◉Estimate
To judge and form an opinion of the value of, from imperfect data.
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
◉Wag
To move one way and the other with quick turns; to shake to and fro; to move vibratingly; to cause to vibrate, as a part of the body; as, to wag the head.
No discerner durst wag his tongue in censure.
Every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.
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
◉Wag
To move one way and the other; to be shaken to and fro; to vibrate.
The resty sieve wagged ne'er the more.
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
◉Wag
To be in action or motion; to move; to get along; to progress; to stir.
"Thus we may see," quoth he, "how the world wags."
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
◉Wag
To go; to depart; to pack oft.
I will provoke him to 't, or let him wag.
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
◉Estimate
a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Wag
A man full of sport and humor; a ludicrous fellow; a humorist; a wit; a joker.
We wink at wags when they offend.
A counselor never pleaded without a piece of pack thread in his hand, which he used to twist about a finger all the while he was speaking; the wags used to call it the thread of his discourse.
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
◉Estimate
the respect with which a person is held;
they had a high estimation of his ability
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
◉Wag
To move from side to side or up and down.
The happy dog began to wag its tail.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
◉Estimate
A rough calculation or judgment.
The contractor gave an estimate for the repairs.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Wag
The act of moving something quickly from side to side.
With a wag of his finger, he signaled disagreement.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
Estimate vs. Wag Frequently Asked Questions
Can "wag" mean making a guess?
In informal settings, "wag" as an acronym for "wild-ass guess" implies making a crude or casual prediction.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Would you use "wag" in a formal document?
No, "wag" in the sense of a guess is informal and not suitable for formal contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
What is the primary use of the word "estimate"?
"Estimate" often refers to a rough calculation or judgment based on data or experience.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
How is "wag" typically used regarding animals?
"Wag" commonly describes the back-and-forth movement of an animal's tail.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
Is an "estimate" more reliable than a "wag"?
Typically, an "estimate" implies more informed judgment, while "wag" suggests a more impulsive guess.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
